The smartphone has a reputation for making many of life's daily tasks easier and more convenient to complete.

Besides making telephone calls, you can send emails and text messages, take photos, use a calculator, manage a calendar and even check the weather - all on one device. Beyond those key features, everyone has access to an app store with virtual shelves that are loaded with fun and useful apps that you can download right to your smartphone.

As an older adult, you may be looking for apps that'll cater to the changes you're going through with age. Thankfully, there are plenty of options that are perfect for seniors. Let's take a look at some of the ones you should consider downloading to your smartphone:

1. Mint
Do you often find it difficult to keep all of your bills organized in one place? Is it hard to keep track of all of your bank accounts and credit cards? You're certainly not alone, so consider downloading the Mint app. Instead of scrambling through a stack of statements, you can digitally organize your bills and everything in between. What's best is that you can see what you owe for the month, alongside your current bank balance, overall making it more convenient to track your money and pay your bills. This app is especially useful for seniors who wish to remain independent with their finances.

2. Magnifying Glass with Light
With age, the ability to read fine print becomes more difficult. But that doesn't mean you should have to ask for help every time to you need to read a description off of a grocery label or prescription bottle. With the Magnifying Glass with Light app, just point your smartphone camera to the text you're having trouble reading. Touch the zooming feature on the screen to enlarge the font, and voila! You'll magnify the text to a size that's easier to read. You can also turn on the flashlight feature if you're trying to read a book in the dark or order from a menu in a dimly-lit restaurant. 

3. Pillboxie
It can be hard to keep track of your medications, especially if you're taking multiple at a time. If you're constantly forgetting to take your prescriptions, you may consider assistance from Pillboxie. This app is designed to help you monitor your medications on your own. Instead of providing complicated directions, Pillboxie uses medication shapes and colors to help you visually manage your prescriptions with ease. You'll simply schedule reminders for yourself by dropping pills into a pillbox that's labeled by time, in increments of 30 minutes. What's best is this app will always remind you, even if your smartphone is asleep, and on top of all of that, it can be used without network connection.

4. Red Panic Button
Even if you're a senior who's in great health, there's no telling when an accident can occur - especially when no one else is around to help. To prepare for an emergency, download the Red Panic Button. Simply set a panic number and address - this can be your caregiver's or another family member's - to your device. If something goes wrong, you'll press the button and a message containing your exact location will be sent to the emergency contact that you need immediate assistance. It's as simple as that.

At Sunrise, we encourage our residents to stay connected on a daily basis. For more information on one of our senior living communities, contact us today.