Smartphone Apps For Seniors In Everyday Life

Smartphone apps can add a lot of comfort and convenience to our daily lives. Here are 8 smartphone apps for seniors to help in their everyday life.

Smartphones are mini computers we all carry around in our pockets. In fact, it is said that the smartphones of today pack in more technology than the computers that powered the Apollo 11 spacecraft did. Most older adults in urban India have a smartphone and there are various ways these can be put to good use, especially by downloading some apps (The ones we shall mention here are all free). The right smartphone apps for seniors can help you keep your brain active, stay in touch with news, set medicine reminders, stay connected with your loved ones, watch your favourite movie songs, buy groceries and book tickets all with a touch of your fingertips.

While some apps like WhatsApp, the free messaging service and Skype, for voice and video calls are on the phones of every smartphone savvy senior, making it easy for them to stay connected with family and friends easily, there are few other apps for senior citizens that can add convenience and comfort to their lives. All the smartphone apps for seniors mentioned here can be downloaded both on the iOS store as well as the Play store.

There are as many apps as there are needs. We shall start with some of the essentials in the first part. Here are 8 smartphone apps for seniors to help in everyday life.

Google Maps: With the Google Maps app, finding your way across town or finding a new place has become extremely easy. You can even see traffic details and figure out how much time it will take you to reach from one place to another.

Download here for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps&hl=en

Download here for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps-gps-navigation/id585027354?mt=8

Paytm: Paytm enables you to go cashless for many transactions. Just download the app, load some money into it from either your bank account or through your credit card and you are good to go. From your local chaiwala to the grocery store next door, almost everyone accepts Paytm now, making it easy to make payments even if you’ve forgotten your wallet at home. The other benefit is not having to produce exact change!

Download here for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.one97.paytm&hl=en

Download here for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/paytm-payments-bank-account/id473941634?mt=8&v0=WWW-APIN-ITSTOP100-FREEAPPS&l=en&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Uber & Ola: The two apps that make it easy for you to book a cab (and in some cities even an auto) anytime you want. The best part is that the routes are mapped and there is no bargaining for the right fare, as it is automatically calculated at the end of the trip. Makes travel easy and hassle free and can be a very useful tool for many seniors who do not wish to drive. While Ola lets you book a cab without adding any money to the payment wallet, Uber needs a minimum balance before proceeding with the booking. Both however allow the option of making cash payments at the end of a ride.

Download here for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.olacabs.customer&hl=en

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubercab&hl=en

Download here for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/ola-cabs-book-taxi-auto/id539179365?mt=8&v0=WWW-APIN-ITSTOP100-FREEAPPS&l=en&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/uber/id368677368?mt=8&v0=WWW-APIN-ITSTOP100-FREEAPPS&l=en&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Medisafe: Medisafe is a popular pill reminder app. It sends you reminders for all your medicines, the dosage, time and any special instructions. It can also track your blood pressure, weight and glucose measurements if you input those. It even has an option where you can put refill reminders when your medicines are about to get over.

Download here for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pill-reminder-by-medisafe/id573916946?mt=8

Download here for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.medisafe.android.client&hl=en

Big Basket: Big Basket offers grocery online and has an express service that can get you things within 90 minutes. Not only is the convenience easy to get used to, they also offer savings on many products and hassle-free returns. Like Big Basket, there are other online grocers like Godrej Nature’s Basket and Grofers, all of whom offer similar options. These apps can be extremely useful for older adults who may often find it difficult to step out just for a few grocery items or may have mobility issues.

Download here for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bigbasket.mobileapp&hl=en

Download here for iOS:

https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/bigbasket-com-online-grocery/id660683603?mt=8

Swiggy: Hunger pangs can strike anytime, no matter what the age. But getting into the kitchen to rustle up something can seem a chore sometimes to the best of cooks. Food delivery apps like Swiggy, Foodpanda and Zomato (as well as scores of other smaller food delivery services that are often city-specific) make it easy for those lazy days. From breakfast to late night cravings, they have everything on offer for the days when you feel like eating in! There are several payment options, including cash on delivery.

Download here for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.swiggy.android&hl=en

Download here for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/swiggy-food-order-delivery/id989540920?mt=8

Inshorts: Earthquake in Delhi? A bandh in Bangalore tomorrow? Get news as instantly as it happens through news apps like Inshorts. There are several others too like NDTV, Dailyhunt, etc. The advantage of these news apps is you can stay updated about the breaking news all the time, without opening the paper or switching on the television. What’s also nice is that you can customise your feed to get the kind of news you want, making it a truly personal experience. It’s not just the news aggregators, your favourite newspaper or news channel is likely to have an app too!

You can download Inshorts (or any of the other news apps) from The App Store for iOS or the Play Store for Android devices.

Truecaller: Senior citizens have often fallen victims to fraud calls. An app like Truecaller can be a help as it can identify unknown calls and block Spam calls and spam texts. A good app to have if like most people, you’ve also reached the end of the patience rope with telemarketer calls.

Download for Android here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.truecaller&hl=en

Download for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/truecaller/id448142450?mt=8

Tip: Many people find that they do not have enough storage to download apps. Are you saving all your incoming WhatsApp images by default? Have you deleted unwanted photographs? Spend some time deleting the junk and you are sure to find enough space for useful apps.

Coming in the next instalment: Apps that entertain, educate and work your grey cells.