If you have a Smartphone, then you are only going to get the best out of it by downloading some apps. However, it may sometimes seem like the entire app market is aimed at teenagers and twenty-somethings attracted to procrastination, social media and any other ways they can kill time! Well, it's time to think again, because there are hundreds of apps out there that are fantastic options for baby boomers and an older crowd. Here we have picked out 7 of the best for you, across a range of genres!
Available for: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets
Price: Free
Whether you use it for general interest, or to monitor your health in some detail, Instant Heart Rate is a fascinating app that uses your phone's camera to detect your pulse from your fingertip. It uses similar technology to standard pulse oximeters, and will allow you to monitor your heart rate before during and after exercise. The video above demonstrates how it works.
2. Vouchercloud
Available for: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets
Price: Free
If you are a bargain hunter who enjoys shopping or eating out, then this is the app for you. Vouchercloud gives you easy access to a whole range of discount codes and coupons for restaurants, stores and leisure activities, and you can filter by the area you live in. There are versions of the service for numerous countries including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India and a host of other European countries. You can find out how to use Vouchercloud in the video above, it's a fantastic money saving app that everybody should know about.
3. Pandora Radio
Available for: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets
Price: Free
Pandora Radio is a fantastic application for any music lover. It allows you to input your favorite musicians, songs, classical composers or genres and then creates your own personalized radio station for you, playing songs from your chosen favorites as well as others from similar artists. You can also use Pandora from your desktop, and easily link it to your other devices.
4. Eye Reader & Magnify
Available for: iPad and iPhone (EyeReader), Android phones and tablets (Magnify)
Price: Free
If you are anything like me, then you probably find reading paperwork exhausting, especially when it's a long, official document with tiny print. EyeReader provides a very simple solution to this common problem, by turning your phone or tablet into a glorified magnifying glass. Not only does it make the text bigger, it also illuminates it with a light so it's brighter and easier to read. Now you can spend some time catching up on your paperwork, or leafing through a magazine, without straining your eyes. The app is not available for Android currently, but if you are an Android user, you can get the very similar Magnify application.
5. The Weather Channel
Available for: iPhone & Android Smartphones
Price: Free
Medwatcher is a free app that allows you to search for a drug, medical device or vaccine, and learn about its uses, potential side effects and safe dosage levels. The app also offers regular updates about new drugs released to the market, as well as giving users the power to report a side effect or adverse event associated with any medication they are taking to the FDA. The database is a fantastic resource if you want to know more about the medication you or a loved one is taking.
Available for: iPhone and iPad
Price: Free
Dragon Dictation allows you to speak into your phone or tablet to dictate emails, text messages and even Facebook updates. You can send notes and reminders to yourself too. It is designed for people who find small smartphone screens difficult to see clearly, or anyone who has issues with hand mobility (such as arthritis or associated conditions). The app is known for its ability to learn quickly, and is used by the young and old alike around the world.
7. Big Names/Big Launcher
Available for: iPhone (Big Names) and Android phones (Big Launcher)
Price: $1.99 (Big Names), $10.00 (Big Launcher)
Smartphones are small and fiddly, and the screens can be difficult to read if you don't have perfect vision. Big Names and Big Launcher are apps for iPhones and Android phones that aim to eliminate this problem and make your phone's screen easier to read and navigate. Once you install the app, you will have a new interface with large icons, a newly arranged call history so favorite contacts are easily accessed and full screen notifications when you get a new message.
These apps make life so much easier!
