Recommending a high-tech solution – in this case a smartphone – to an older audience is like trying to sell a new shower system to the phoenix. But don't give up so hastily, there is a good reason why older people should give up on the idea of landline phone and move on a basic cellphone too. Smartphones are more than just flashy gadgets: they double as alarms, medication reminders and medical IDs, while also providing a means to book cheap car rides or find the closest hospital. Smartphones are tools that protect, help and entertain, benefiting elderly people more simply from the knowledge of handling them.
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Why the Elderly Should Have Smartphones
Whether you are looking for a dynamic gaming experience on the go, an affordable productivity machine, or are simply curious about Apple's latest Macbook offerings, check out our list of the best 10 laptops for seniors of 2020, in no particular order. Before shopping for a new laptop, keep in mind the following considerations. The Apple iPad Pro is a high-end device that goes above and beyond what most seniors may need from their tablets, but for those who are still working, enjoy gaming, or just like having the latest technology, it may be worth the price tag. TechRadar gave the Apple iPad Pro 4.5 stars, and CNet gave it an 8.3 overall rating. It has 4.6 stars on. The app is available for Android, while ICE Medical Standard is an iPhone equivalent. Red Panic Button is an app that delivers what the name promises. Once the phone and email information of a loved one is stored, seniors can have a message sent to their chosen contact in any emergency situation.
Let's make this clear: just because an elderly person starts to rely on a smartphone, it doesn't mean the landline phone should be torn out from the wall. Landline phones, cellphones and smartphones can exist alongside one another, although the first two will likely become obsolete after seniors have wrapped their mind around the touchscreen device. The convenience of such a tool will be immediate since touch-based systems are easier to use than you might think. Chat apps and social media sites will also introduce the senior to new communities and make the user more social, while such phones also have an infinite amount of chess, solitaire and sudoku games available. On top of all that, smartphones fees are much lower than paying for the landline version.
Since smartphones are multi-functional tools, those who wish to age at home safely can save on certain items. For example, there are free medical alert apps on the official store, which aren't as comprehensive as the real deal but can still dial 911 in an emergency. There are also vial of life or medical ID apps, not to mention medication reminder apps that replace the physical ones.
Recommended Smartphones for Elderly
If you are a relative looking for a modern phone for your beloved elderly companion, then there are a couple of factors to take into account. First of all, the device should have a large screen so that your loved ones can see the images even with a poor vision. Second, you must ‘prepare' the phone in advance, by which we mean downloading a set of useful apps and clearing out other software that would only confuse the aging user. Lastly, try setting the volume to a higher level. There are, however, a few suggestions to consider when looking for a smartphone for a senior user.
GreatCall Jitterbug Smart
Jitterbug Smart by GreatCall is the perfect gift for an elderly relative who has asked for a smartphone. The top reason why this phone is recommended for seniors is that it has access to the company's medical alert services. This way the phone's user is able to directly contact GreatCall's 24/7 monitoring service, 5Star Urgent Response.Since the company is specialized in technology aiming to making the life of people in their golden years easier, it's no wonder the phone sports features that very few phones do. It comes with large icons set as default and has built-in voice typing mode so people don't need to fiddle with the keyboard. The smartphone has a large screen and a camera, in case the aging person wishes to jump into the selfie craze. The batteries are made to last extra long, too, promising uninterrupted use. Jitterbug Smart was designed to handle certain Android apps as well, such as Uber, which is a huge relief.
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Must-Have Apps for Seniors
When setting up the phone for your aging relative, there are killer apps that should definitely be downloaded pre-emptively before handing the device over. Keep in mind that these aren't strictly medical alert related, but we do have a dedicated article on that exact topic.
WebMD
Available both in browser and app format, WebMD is an extensive guide of health-related information. Seniors can identify their illness by checking the symptom archive and find the appropriate medicine for it at the same time. It also helps find the closest physician or treatment facility, which is important because users should never diagnose themselves.
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Medical ID
A mix between a screensaver and a vial of life, Medical ID is a free app that allows the user to create a medical profile on their phone that is displayed on the lock screen. Perfect for seniors who are on the go, the response team only needs to take a glance at the phone to immediately learn the patient's medical history.
5Star Urgent Response
GreatCall's monitoring service is not only accessible through the company's personal emergency devices, but also from your smartphone. Note that you must subscribe to the service in order to call 5Star Urgent Response but in exchange the staff notifies 911 and family members and stores your medical history on file.
Medisafe
Medisafe is a digitalized pill reminder with extra features. The app helps the user keep track of their daily pill doses, ringing an alarm when the time has come. It also monitors the user's health, and the logs can be easily shared with the physician or other family members.
Uber
For seniors who lack a car or are unable to drive anymore, Uber is the most cost effective way of getting around. Booking a ride from a local driver is a piece of cake, and the costs are affordable for every wallet. Uber allows the elderly passengers to attend doctor's appointments or get the groceries done without relying on the free time of relatives.
SeniorMatch
True to its name, SeniorMatch is an online matchmaking service. Interestingly, a large chunk of the elderly subscribers use it to chat, socialize and make friends instead of dating. SeniorMatch is a great way for home-bound or recovering older people to establish new connections without leaving the house.
Mind Games
Exercising the mind is just as important in the golden years as maintaining a fit body. Mind Games is a collection of fun games that can be played on the phone in order to keep mental health in good condition.
Best Medical Alert Systems of 2021
| Rank | Company | Info | Visit |
| Editor's Choice 2021 |
| ||
| |||
|
Get the Best Deals on Medical Alert Systems
Let our experts keep you up to date on the latest trends, news and deals on medical alert systems.
More senior citizens have smartphones than ever before, with 42% of adults over the age of 65 in the USA now owning one, a figure that has more than doubled in the last five years. While many take to tech like a duck to water, others struggle to get to grips with the intricacies of modern smart-phones, and perhaps find them inaccessible. Happily, apps are available to help solve these issues, as well as providing security, connectivity, and entertainment. We've rounded up some of the very best apps, all of which can help senior citizens make the very most out of their smartphones.
Apps to Increase Accessibility
While the iPhone's simple user interface is oft-lauded, Android is a little more complicated to work with. This can be an issue for seniors who are not familiar with smartphones, and those who are visually impaired. Big Launcher addresses the problem by making the interface simple, large, and colorful. Functions such as phone, messages, and notifications are clear, while apps are listed with large icons and text.
When it comes to typing, the traditional QWERTY keyboard often proves to be less-than-optimal when squeezed onto a smartphone screen. MessagEase has reinvented the wheel and radically redesigned the smartphone keyboard, replacing it with just 9 large and customizable buttons, each of which can be manipulated to input different characters. Being such a departure from any other keyboard – physical or electronic – it takes a little getting used to. Once mastered, however, the large buttons can make typing much easier for seniors, or indeed anyone who struggles with the QWERTY design.
Another solution to text input is to do away with typing all together, and replace it with voice dictation. Apple's Siri can do more than simply search the web and tell cheesy jokes. It can be used to make phone calls, send messages and emails, take notes, and a whole host of other features. Google's inbuilt voice-to-text service is similarly functional, and can be activated by simply saying 'OK, Google.' Speechnote is a third-party app that is perfect for longer dictations, and will keep listening even after long pauses, which cause most other apps to end the recording.
- Big Launcher: $9.99 for Android
- MessagEase: free for iOS and Android
- Speechnotes: free for Android
The app for remembering medication
Let's make this clear: just because an elderly person starts to rely on a smartphone, it doesn't mean the landline phone should be torn out from the wall. Landline phones, cellphones and smartphones can exist alongside one another, although the first two will likely become obsolete after seniors have wrapped their mind around the touchscreen device. The convenience of such a tool will be immediate since touch-based systems are easier to use than you might think. Chat apps and social media sites will also introduce the senior to new communities and make the user more social, while such phones also have an infinite amount of chess, solitaire and sudoku games available. On top of all that, smartphones fees are much lower than paying for the landline version.
Since smartphones are multi-functional tools, those who wish to age at home safely can save on certain items. For example, there are free medical alert apps on the official store, which aren't as comprehensive as the real deal but can still dial 911 in an emergency. There are also vial of life or medical ID apps, not to mention medication reminder apps that replace the physical ones.
Recommended Smartphones for Elderly
If you are a relative looking for a modern phone for your beloved elderly companion, then there are a couple of factors to take into account. First of all, the device should have a large screen so that your loved ones can see the images even with a poor vision. Second, you must ‘prepare' the phone in advance, by which we mean downloading a set of useful apps and clearing out other software that would only confuse the aging user. Lastly, try setting the volume to a higher level. There are, however, a few suggestions to consider when looking for a smartphone for a senior user.
GreatCall Jitterbug Smart
Jitterbug Smart by GreatCall is the perfect gift for an elderly relative who has asked for a smartphone. The top reason why this phone is recommended for seniors is that it has access to the company's medical alert services. This way the phone's user is able to directly contact GreatCall's 24/7 monitoring service, 5Star Urgent Response.Since the company is specialized in technology aiming to making the life of people in their golden years easier, it's no wonder the phone sports features that very few phones do. It comes with large icons set as default and has built-in voice typing mode so people don't need to fiddle with the keyboard. The smartphone has a large screen and a camera, in case the aging person wishes to jump into the selfie craze. The batteries are made to last extra long, too, promising uninterrupted use. Jitterbug Smart was designed to handle certain Android apps as well, such as Uber, which is a huge relief.
Boost Mobile Samsung Galaxy J3 Emerge
iPhone 6 Plus
Must-Have Apps for Seniors
When setting up the phone for your aging relative, there are killer apps that should definitely be downloaded pre-emptively before handing the device over. Keep in mind that these aren't strictly medical alert related, but we do have a dedicated article on that exact topic.
WebMD
Available both in browser and app format, WebMD is an extensive guide of health-related information. Seniors can identify their illness by checking the symptom archive and find the appropriate medicine for it at the same time. It also helps find the closest physician or treatment facility, which is important because users should never diagnose themselves.
Best Mac Mail App For Seniors 2020
Medical ID
A mix between a screensaver and a vial of life, Medical ID is a free app that allows the user to create a medical profile on their phone that is displayed on the lock screen. Perfect for seniors who are on the go, the response team only needs to take a glance at the phone to immediately learn the patient's medical history.
5Star Urgent Response
GreatCall's monitoring service is not only accessible through the company's personal emergency devices, but also from your smartphone. Note that you must subscribe to the service in order to call 5Star Urgent Response but in exchange the staff notifies 911 and family members and stores your medical history on file.
Medisafe
Medisafe is a digitalized pill reminder with extra features. The app helps the user keep track of their daily pill doses, ringing an alarm when the time has come. It also monitors the user's health, and the logs can be easily shared with the physician or other family members.
Uber
For seniors who lack a car or are unable to drive anymore, Uber is the most cost effective way of getting around. Booking a ride from a local driver is a piece of cake, and the costs are affordable for every wallet. Uber allows the elderly passengers to attend doctor's appointments or get the groceries done without relying on the free time of relatives.
SeniorMatch
True to its name, SeniorMatch is an online matchmaking service. Interestingly, a large chunk of the elderly subscribers use it to chat, socialize and make friends instead of dating. SeniorMatch is a great way for home-bound or recovering older people to establish new connections without leaving the house.
Mind Games
Exercising the mind is just as important in the golden years as maintaining a fit body. Mind Games is a collection of fun games that can be played on the phone in order to keep mental health in good condition.
Best Medical Alert Systems of 2021
| Rank | Company | Info | Visit |
| Editor's Choice 2021 |
| ||
| |||
|
Get the Best Deals on Medical Alert Systems
Let our experts keep you up to date on the latest trends, news and deals on medical alert systems.
More senior citizens have smartphones than ever before, with 42% of adults over the age of 65 in the USA now owning one, a figure that has more than doubled in the last five years. While many take to tech like a duck to water, others struggle to get to grips with the intricacies of modern smart-phones, and perhaps find them inaccessible. Happily, apps are available to help solve these issues, as well as providing security, connectivity, and entertainment. We've rounded up some of the very best apps, all of which can help senior citizens make the very most out of their smartphones.
Apps to Increase Accessibility
While the iPhone's simple user interface is oft-lauded, Android is a little more complicated to work with. This can be an issue for seniors who are not familiar with smartphones, and those who are visually impaired. Big Launcher addresses the problem by making the interface simple, large, and colorful. Functions such as phone, messages, and notifications are clear, while apps are listed with large icons and text.
When it comes to typing, the traditional QWERTY keyboard often proves to be less-than-optimal when squeezed onto a smartphone screen. MessagEase has reinvented the wheel and radically redesigned the smartphone keyboard, replacing it with just 9 large and customizable buttons, each of which can be manipulated to input different characters. Being such a departure from any other keyboard – physical or electronic – it takes a little getting used to. Once mastered, however, the large buttons can make typing much easier for seniors, or indeed anyone who struggles with the QWERTY design.
Another solution to text input is to do away with typing all together, and replace it with voice dictation. Apple's Siri can do more than simply search the web and tell cheesy jokes. It can be used to make phone calls, send messages and emails, take notes, and a whole host of other features. Google's inbuilt voice-to-text service is similarly functional, and can be activated by simply saying 'OK, Google.' Speechnote is a third-party app that is perfect for longer dictations, and will keep listening even after long pauses, which cause most other apps to end the recording.
- Big Launcher: $9.99 for Android
- MessagEase: free for iOS and Android
- Speechnotes: free for Android
The app for remembering medication
Reminders for all types ofmedication
- Symptom and well-being checker
Printable health report you can sharewith your doctor
for iPhone
for Android
Memory
Forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, and technology is on hand to help reduce the impact of lapses in memory when it comes to health. With around 90% of people in the USA aged 65 and above taking at least one prescription medication, MyTherapy (free for iOS and Android) is an important tool in ensuring pills, tablets, and injections are taken as intended. Medication reminders can be programmed with an individual medication plan, no matter how complex, and promptly notify the user when it is time to take their meds. As well as being a pill reminder, added features such as an activity reminder, symptom tracker, and printable health report, make MyTherapy an excellent all-round health app for seniors.
As well as helping seniors stay on top of their health, apps can also relieve the burden of remembering where the car is parked. A plethora of apps are available to make a note of the location using GPS, and then guide the user back to their car later. Of them, ParKing for Android is one of the most sophisticated, particularly for anyone whose car has Bluetooth. Connecting to Bluetooth is usually a cinch, and once up and running, the app can log the car's last location with no user input whatsoever, making it unobtrusive and remarkably easy to use. On the iPhone side of things, Follow My Car is free and simple, just requiring the user to tap a button when they want the location saved.
The more a senior uses their smartphone, the more passwords they are likely to acquire. These often require a mix of numbers, upper and lower-case letters, and special characters. For security reasons, we are told to not reuse passwords, to use random combinations of words, and avoid guessable information like names and dates. This can make remembering them almost impossible, and can easily discourage seniors from using their smartphones. Help is on hand though, in the form of password managers. One of the very best is 1Password, which can be unlocked with a master password or, even better, fingerprint recognition. All of the information is encrypted locally, and can be locked should the phone be stolen. The app, which is subscription-based, can also store credit card information, codes, and personal details. Family subscriptions are also available, to safely share passwords between relatives.
- MyTherapy: free for iOS and Android
- ParKing: free for Android
- Follow My Car: free for iOS
- 1Password: free for iOS and Android. Subscription options available at 1password.com
Stay Connected
Just as Google has transcended from a noun into a verb, WhatsApp and Skype have become so synonymous with the act of instant messaging and video calling that they too have been verbed.
Considering the overwhelming use of these apps, they are the perfect tools to help senior citizens keep in touch with the family.
For those wanting to take things a step further, Oscar Senior is designed to be a one-stop-shop for allowing senior citizens to connect to their family. It integrates social media platforms, makes instant messaging and video calling easy, and is perfect for sharing photos. Its stand-out feature is the ability for remote connectivity. This allows family members to help solve problems, add contacts, and install apps on their relative's device, from anywhere in the world.
- WhatsApp: free for iOS and Android
- Skype: free for iOS and Android
- Oscar Senior: free for iOS and Android. Subscription options available at oscarsenior.com
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Staying Safe
While 1Password can offer security to seniors in the online world, technology can also be a valuable safety tool in the real world. bSafe is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive safety apps. An alarm can be activated to send time-stamped audio and video to family members, as well as the location. The app can also allow family members to trace the location of their loved one, and pre-set timers can be arranged to send an alarm if the user does not check-in by a certain time.
A simple but potentially life-saving app is ICE – In Case of Emergency. The profile can be customized to include important health information, such as blood type, diseases, and allergies, as well as a list of emergency contacts. All of the information is accessible from the lock screen. Immediate access to such information can save crucial time in the event of any emergency. The app is available for Android, while ICE Medical Standard is an iPhone equivalent.
Red Panic Button is an app that delivers what the name promises. Once the phone and email information of a loved one is stored, seniors can have a message sent to their chosen contact in any emergency situation. The message will also contain location information, as long as GPS is enabled.
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- bSafe: free for iOS and Android
- ICE – In Case of Emergency: free for Android
- ICE Medical Standard: free for iOS
- Red Panic Button: free for iOS and Android
Entertainment
On top of all the other benefits a smartphone offers, the icing on the cake is their capability to keep one entertained. Audible, now owned by Amazon, contains a vast library of over 200,000 audiobooks, making it the perfect source of literature for any senior living with impaired eyesight. A subscription includes one free book, plus one credit per month that can be used on any book, regardless of price.
For seniors who wish to reminisce and enjoy the radio of old all over again, Old Time Radio for Android, and OTR Streamer for iOS, each boast well over 10,000 shows from years-gone-by. From comedy and crime, to drama and westerns, both can provide hours of entertainment to listeners, completely free of charge.
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Alongside the classic radio shows, Apple and Google both have a huge catalog of music, all of which can be streamed in their native apps, Apple Music and Google Play Music. Both have impression collections, including classical productions, and songs dating back decades. Songs can be streamed, or downloaded for offline use. Perfect!
- Audible: free for iOS and Android. Subscription options available at audible.com
- Old Time Radio: free for Android
- OTR Streamer: free for iOS
- Google Play Music: app installed by default. Subscription options available at play.google.com
- Apple Music: app installed by default. Subscription options available at apple.com
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