You might not have grown up with smartphones, but that’s not stopping you from making this must-have technology part of your busy life. And no wonder. With the right apps, older adults can simplify daily tasks, stay connected with family and improve all dimensions of wellness—often without spending a dime. Here are five must-have smartphone apps for tech-savvy folks over 65.
1. SilverSneakers GO
You already know that regular physical activity can improve your cardiovascular health, strength and balance. But what if your schedule makes it hard to squeeze in time at the gym? Not to worry. With SilverSneakers GO, the gym can come to you. Just tap the app to attend live virtual classes led by certified instructors or choose from more than 200 pre-recorded exercise videos. And when you’re in the mood for an in-person workout, the app will point you to a participating gym. Best of all, SilverSneakers GO may be covered by your health insurance—just ask.
2. Lumosity, Words With Friends, The New York Times Games or Other Mind-Training Apps
Just as cardio and weightlifting keep your body in shape, exercising your brain promotes intellectual wellness. The good news is that mind-training apps make sharpening your intellect easy—and fun—by letting you engage in personalized puzzles and games that focus on skills like memory, attention and problem solving. What’s more, they provide detailed feedback on your performance, so you can track your progress in real time. Typically, these apps offer free basic tools, with a paid membership required to unlock advanced features.
3. Tripadvisor or Expedia
One of the best things about retirement is the ability to pack your bags and enjoy a change of scenery whenever you please, and free travel apps like Tripadvisor and Expedia make it so much easier. Both are convenient “one-stop-shops” for booking, managing itineraries and comparing prices—and they can even offer personalized recommendations based on your travel preferences. Bonus: These apps can also point you toward exclusive senior discounts on flights, hotels and excursions. And when you arrive home, apps like Google Photos can help you organize all the amazing pictures from your journey.
4. Audible
You don’t have to grab your reading glasses every time you want to lose yourself in a good book. Audiobook subscriptions like Audible make it easy to enjoy your favorite literary works while you’re running errands, driving your car or taking a brisk walk. You can also give your cognitive skills a boost by listening to historical accounts, self-help books or the Great Courses series. And if you have a voice-activated assistant like Amazon Echo, you can ask it to play a book whenever the mood strikes you. Many Audible memberships include a free trial, allowing you to test the service before committing to a subscription.
5. LastPass
Sure, it’s convenient to shop, make travel plans or pay bills online. But keeping track of all those passwords can be a chore at any age. LastPass safely stores all your log in credentials—and automatically fills them in, too. You only need to remember one master password to unlock your entire vault. Plus, you can store and encrypt other sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and insurance policy details, for enhanced security and peace of mind. The free version of LastPass allows you to store unlimited passwords on a single computer or mobile device. Multiple devices typically require a paid plan.
For tech-savvy folks who call Springmoor home, every day is a new opportunity to cultivate wellness while expanding their skills and knowledge through a wide range of clubs, classes and activities. Schedule your in-person tour by calling 919-651-4844.
