16 Must-Have Apps Everyone Over 40 absolutely Needs
I'm going to be straight up honest with you, this getting older thing has its disadvantages. I can throw my back out from trying to hold in a sneeze. I can walk into a room and completely blank out what I went in there for, and don't get me started about how my whole world comes to a grinding halt if I can't find my reading glasses.
Saying that I thought I would share with you 16 Must-Have Apps for us folk who have slipped into the other side of 40. And for you youngsters, take note, there might be a thing or two that might benefit you as well.
16 Must-Have Apps Everyone Over 40 absolutely Needs
MagnifyGlass.
Ok, my visually challenged friends, this is a game-changer. Whether you are struggling to order off a tiny printed trendy menu in a dimly lit restaurant or give yourself the correct dosage of your antipsychotic medication, this app will change your world. Not only is there a light, but with a gentle swipe up, you can magnify the size of whatever you are struggling to read. And the added kicker is, it's free.
Yuka
You've heard the saying you are what you eat, well what about what you put onto your skin? Yuka is a free app that lets you scan barcodes of food and personal care products and instantly see the impact on your health. It evaluates each product's nutritional quality, presence of additives and organic aspects of the product. You will be shocked by the result of your Whole Foods "totally organic" sunscreen.
Find My Phone
This app will send you the exact location of your phone, paired with a loud distinctive bing. You can even post a message to whoever might find it. But full disclosure, most of the time, I am using it to discover my phone is lodged between two sofa cushions.
For several years running, WhatsApp has been the Number 1 downloaded app in the UK and Europe. It hasn't been as popular in North America until now. This app allows you to chat, text and share photos and videos internationally for free. Sure, you might not need another way for people to contact you, but if you have friends in different countries, this app is a must.
Calm
The name says it all. Calm is an app that I use almost nightly to help me fall asleep. Who knew that Matthew McConaughey reading me a bedtime story would be so deliciously soothing? I guess Calm did. Aside from the Sleep Stories, there are various guided meditations, relaxing spa-inspired music and ambient soundscapes like Jungle Forest, Mountain Spa Hot Tub or Wind in Pines. There are daily affirmations and masterclasses on topics like; Rethinking Depression and Happiness. The price is a little steep ($69.99 US annually), but ask yourself this, isn't a good night sleep worth it?
AccuWeather
Sure, your phone likely comes with a pre-installed weather app, but AccuWeather (free) gives you the weather in far more accurate detail, right down to the millimetre of exactly when that rain will be falling. Useful information when you are scheduling your next blow-out.
Uber
I have said it before, and I will say it again, this ride-hailing app has saved my life. Ok, that might be a slight exaggeration, but it has safely and affordably got me home late at night.
Citymapper
Google Maps might give you access to the same basic information, but Citymapper is smarter. It categorizes as many different routes as it can, all on one screen, in real-time. Public transit, walking, cycling or driving. Even if you already know how to get somewhere, Citymapper can tell you if everything is running smoothly. It's free and available in over a hundred cities…and counting.
Waze
Waze is my favourite driving app. Using the information from other drivers, it helps you avoid traffic, getting lost, and warns you about upcoming speed traps. That alone has saved me a tidy sum of shoe spending dosh.
WebMD
Save yourself the time and effort of Googling your symptoms with WebMD Symptom Checker. Now you can self-diagnosis that mysterious rash from the comfort of your phone.
Your Personal Banking App
This is a must in this day and age. Pay bills, deposit checks, check your balance or send some much-needed cash instantly to your adult children, all from the palm of your hand.
I don't care what you think about Facebook. I love it. With my friends and family scattered around the planet, I love seeing what they are up to. Although I could use fewer photos of everybody's morning cappuccino…just saying.
Words With Friends, or other games.
It is said that playing games (some games) are good for your mental health. I am uncertain if Candy Crush is one of those games, although I am totally addicted. Still, games like Words With Friends, Scrabble, NYT Crossword or Sudoku not only gives you something to do on your daily commute but actively blows off the mental cobwebs. Lumosity, a fabulous brain sharpening app, has shown improved memory, processing speeds and overall cognitive function with regular use. So go ahead…play.
Audible
I have raved about Audible before, but this is a must-have app if you like to listen to books or podcasts. For a small monthly fee (cheaper than a book), you receive a credit that allows you to download over 11,000 different book titles. You can sign up for a free 30 Day Trial offer which comes with a free book of your choosing—my personal fave, The End of The Affair, narrated by Colin Firth (sigh).
Spotify
This app has changed how I listen to music, plus it has now opened up a ton of storage space on my phone and computer. You can create your own playlist or browse by artist, genre, album, or some excellent Spotify playlist suggestions of their own.
Snapseed
Let's face it, you're getting older, and you might look a little less fresh than you did in your twenties. That is where Snapseed comes in. Give your "Insta-selfie" a little Glamour Glow or instantly "heal" that massive pimple that's casting shadows. It's easy to use, and it's free. I mean, just look at this side by side comparison.
Well, that is my list, folks. Would you please share with me any apps that you can't live without or that makes getting older a little less of a burden?
Until next time…cheers.