Magnifying glass
There are many magnifying glass apps which allow you to use your phone’s camera to magnify objects or text, making them easier to see. These apps are often helpful for people with vision impairments or for tasks like reading fine print or checking details on items.
OnMail
According to a recent study, the number one reason retirees go online is to use email. With cybersecurity an ever-pressing issue, try OnMail, an easy-to-use email service built on the core tenets: “privacy, control, speed, simplicity and intelligence”, keeping you safe from potential scams.
Emergency Plus
If you ever need to call for help, this free app could save your life. Developed by Australia’s emergency services and government, Emergency Plus will not only put you through to 000 at the touch of a button, it’ll also send your current location (including latitude and longitude) through your device’s GPS, and also links to the National Relay Service for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment.
Medicine Wise
Consolidating all your medical information in one place, this app allows you to create a list of your medicines, access more information about them and provides reminders for when you should take it. It’s also designed for carers to access information and share with professionals and other carers.
Another key reason we use our phones is for their original purpose: to communicate. Whether it’s to send messages to friends or to enjoy a video call with the grandchildren, WhatsApp is a simple, popular app and perfect for creating groups.
MyFitnessPal
Healthy eating and regular exercise are essential at any age, not least in later years. MyFitnessPal helps you set goals and understand more about your lifestyle habits when it comes to food tracking and your overall wellbeing.
Just as important as keeping the body in shape is ensuring your mind stays sharp. CogniFit offers a personalised approach, analysing your cognitive skills across a range of criteria and providing brain-training games for a full neurological workout.
Frollo
No matter your financial situation, banking and budgeting are essential at any stage of life, and money management is one of the main reasons older Australians go online. Frollo provides financial insights and helps you stay on track with everything from pensions to payments.
Woolworths app
If shopping is a chore, the Woollies app will make it so much easier. Here you can make shopping lists, discover discounted items, and take some inspiration from a range of recipes, all while ordering your weekly groceries for pick-up or delivery.
ABC listen
The radio is still a staple for many of us, and with the ABC listen app you can tune into the wireless wherever you may be. Whether you’re seeking local news, a spot of classical music or any one of the ABC’s excellent podcasts, you’ll find it here.
Healthdirect Australia
A one-stop-shop for all health-related matters, Healthdirect provides a platform for checking symptoms, offers advice on next steps and assists in finding a health service when needed. It also offers useful information on what to expect if you’re facing a procedure.