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By Jack Burden

TOP APPS FOR SENIORS

While many app developers have focused on meeting the needs of young people and millennials, there is an emerging need to create useful apps for the elderly and those living with various kinds of disabilities.

The following are some excellent apps that can increase independence and quality of life.

WebMd

Do you have questions about your health or the health of a loved one? WebMD is an excellent app that can be carried around on your phone and accessed at any time. Users can browse through in-depth information about over 5,000 different illnesses. This information includes causes, symptoms and possible treatments for each illness. The app also has a medication checklist that keeps track of medications being taken by particular individuals within your family. This is an especially good feature for seniors who are suffering from multiple ailments.

Silver Surf

Silver Surf is an app that keeps track of events of interest to seniors. It is organized by categories, including entertainment, health, legal and financial. This app gives quick access to information related to medical concerns, health-related regulations and changes that may affect senior citizens, and useful government programs specifically for seniors, such as tax breaks. Silver Surf also has a large database of helpful resources, including discounts at restaurants across the U.S. and Canada.

CleverMind

This app was created by the makers of Silver Surf and WebMD for seniors with memory problems. Users can take practice tests to improve their brain functions. It is also able to help users learn how to remember new information, recall information more effectively and keep track of a busy schedule with reminders. This app is relatively young compared to its competition, but it has already been awarded

first place in the Aging 2.0 Competition held by Health 2.0 in San Francisco, CA.

Good RX

With GoodRX, senior citizens can search for the lowest prices on drugs at a pharmacy. When the card is swiped at checkout, the user receives a list of the best prices on all drugs and can compare them to other prescriptions. With special discounts that are only offered (or even available) while using the GoodRX cards, seniors can save up to 80% off the cost of drugs they need. This can be especially useful for seniors who take multiple prescriptions.

Pillboxie

Seniors often have to take multiple medications throughout the day. There are several options available to manage these medications offered by startups and pharmaceutical companies alike. This app is different in that it works like a database to track and keep up with medications taken over time. Each time a pill is taken, it can be entered into the app as part of an ongoing record of medication usage over time. It is possible to keep track of multiple pills taken once per day or tablets taken twice per day.

Fall Detector

The fall detector app automatically detects a fall and immediately indicates via alarm and flashlight alerts. This app sends out an alert message to selected contacts after a fall is detected. An emergency message will report the date, time and place where the incident occurred. Users can select who should be notified when they fall and how fast they want the alert to be sent out after a fall has been detected. Users can also set up a countdown timer that allows them to cancel an alarm within seconds.

As a senior, you have special needs in this day and age. These apps are a few ways you can improve your everyday life, whether you struggle with memory problems, or want to be prepared in case of a fall. These unique programs are designed specifically for seniors, and provide an ease of access that will improve your quality of life. If you aren't tech-savvy, ask someone to help you get familiar with these apps, and enjoy increased independence and renewed sense of security.