The power of technology continues to become more and more prominent as the years go on. In fact, it’s even become the primary method in which people keep in touch with loved ones, stay on top of their studies and occupations, start passion projects, learn something new and create a sense of normalcy in uncertain times. And while these may be the facts, some still feel like technology doesn’t serve them in their everyday life.
Many of our residents were at one stage reluctant to take the plunge, but when they finally took the leap to welcome tools and technology into their daily lives, the impacts have been positive (and large). Technology continues to maximise their enjoyment in retirement.
Here you’ll find out about all the different tools and applications that you can download to do just that.
Before you read on, click on our previous post Digital tools and technology to improve your retirement here to cover basic devices and help determine the right technology for you.
Understanding apps: what are they and how do you use them?
Once you’ve got your device, it’s time to add features you would like. If you have a smartphone or tablet, you will have access to an unlimited library of ‘apps’ to download. This is where the magic really happens…
So what exactly is an app?
An app is simply short for the word ‘application’ and if you have any kind of smart device, whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, Smartphone, eReader, computer or other ‘smart technology’ then you’ve probably used plenty. From things like your calculator, the clock feature, calendar and messengers, all of these tools are apps!
How do you download and use apps?
On Apple products like iPads and iPhones, click the button on the home screen of your device that’s called ‘App Store’. On Samsung and Android devices, you want to open the ‘Google Play Store’.
If you need a little extra help, follow along with one of these video tutorials:
For your Apple iPhone or iPad
For your Android phone or smart tablet
What to download: apps that will make your retirement better
Make your daily life easier, schedule and alter appointments, organise transport, keep connected and have fun.
Here are some of the best apps available (both free and paid) to get the most out of your digital devices. You’ll be ‘app’solutely over the moon with everything you can do on your smart devices.
Apps for over 50s health
Check out these apps to help simplify your healthcare so that you can focus on spending more time in retirement doing what you love:
- Health Engine | Free
No more waiting on hold. Health Engine allows you to book and manage any kind of medical appointment you could ever need, at the tap of a screen, with most health practitioners Australia-wide. Need to cancel or book a 9am appointment at 6am in the morning or 10pm at night? No problem! You can use Health Engine 24/7.
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store - Health Direct | Free
Health Direct is an easy to use, wealth of health information and advice. It has a handy symptom checker and great tools to find health practitioners near you. The app is doctor approved and supported by the Commonwealth and State Governments so you know the information you’re getting is reliable.
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store - Daily Yoga | Paid and free options
Improve your fitness with a workout app like Daily Yoga. Or, if yoga isn’t your cup of tea, search for your favourite kind of fitness style in your app store and be delighted with what you can find!
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store - Calm | Paid and free options
One of the most popular apps for meditation and a better night’s sleep, Calm is your perfect app to destress, with plenty of guided meditations, relaxing stories and sleeping sounds to help you unwind and refresh your mind.
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store - All Recipes | Free
Need some easy to follow, healthy and yummy recipes for weeknight dinners? All Recipes has you covered!
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Apps to read and listen to books
Curl up in your coziest chair with a mug filled with tea because it’s time to read a good book (ahh… retirement is bliss.) Did you know there are apps for that too? Digital reading is just like a real book, without worrying about added clutter. And if you like the idea of listening to books on the go, audiobooks are a great way to get extra reading time in when you’re not at home.
- Scribed | Cost: $12.50/month
Scribed is a monthly subscription app that gives you access to hundreds of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and even sheet music.
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store - Audible | Cost: $16.45/month
Audible is one of the most popular Audiobook subscription services in the world. With your subscription you get one Audiobook of your choice and one suggested by Audible a month. More expensive than Scribed and its competitors, Audible has the largest selection of Audiobooks and you’re almost guaranteed to find exactly what you want.
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store - BorrowBox | Free
Completely free, BorrowBox memberships are connected to your local library account, and your selection of books and audiobooks is dependent on their selection.
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Apps to watch movies and TV shows
You don’t need to go out and buy any more DVDs or cross your fingers that your favourite film is on the telly. You can find all your favourite movies and TV shows on your smart devices, any time you want! And, if you want to really put your tech skills to the test, you can even connect your device to your television to see it on the big screen.
TIP: This is a great ‘fun night in’ idea for when the grandkids come to stay.
Free movies for over 50s
- Kanopy | Free
Kanopy is like BorrowBox for movies! You sign up with your library membership and get to access their online collection of movies, tv shows and documentaries.
Download Now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store - SBS On Demand
Filled with movies and TV shows, there are some incredible films available for free on SBS On Demand. The only catch, they’re only available for a limited time.
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store - Old Movies
There are plenty of free apps out there to watch old classic Hollywood era films for free, (if they’re in the public domain!) Here are a few to try:- Old Movies – Oldies but goldies | Download now: Google Play Store
- Classix (free and paid options) | Download now: Apple App Store
- The Film Detective (free and paid options) | Download Now: Apple App Store
Television network catch-up apps
Catch up on your favourite shows and movies that you might have missed in the week, or want to rewatch, all for free:
- ABC iView | Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- 7 Plus | Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- 9 Now | Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- Ten Play | Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Movie subscription services
Gone are the days of Blockbuster Video and Video Ezy, now is the golden age of streaming services. With a streaming service, you pay a once monthly fee to access a huge library of movies and TV shows. Here are some of the most popular:
- Netflix – from $9.99 a month | Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- Stan – from $10 a month | Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- Disney Plus – from $6.99 a month | Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Apps for seniors to stay sharp in retirement
It’s no secret that when you keep your mind sharp at any age, there are immense health benefits, but as we enter retirement and step away from the workforce it becomes extra important that we make intentional time for mental stimulation.
- 50 Something | Free
Keeps you up to date with current affairs, daily news and general knowledge tailored to over 50s.
Download now: Google Play - Brain Training Apps
- Peak (paid and free options) | Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- Luminosity (paid and free options) | Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- Duolingo | paid and free options
Learn a new language, and do it for free. Although there are paid options, you can still get all the goodness out of Duolingo without needing to spend a cent.
Download Now: Apple App Store and Google Play Store
“According to an independent study conducted by the City University of New York and the University of South Carolina, an average of 34 hours of Duolingo are equivalent to a full university semester of language education.”
Duolingo
Game apps for over 50s
Games aren’t just for the grandkids, there’s plenty of fun apps for seniors too. You can find pretty much all of your favourite board games and classic activities in the app store, just search up your favorite and be amazed! If you want something to start off with, you’re sure to love Words With Friends. It’s just like Scrabble, but for the digital age. You can even connect your Words With Friends account to Facebook in the app and challenge your friends!
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play
Apps for transport
Leave the car in its bay. If you want to pop down to a quick medical appointment but don’t want to drive or if you want to enjoy a long lunch with friends (with an extra glass of wine) these are the apps for you.
- Uber
Uber is best described as a digital taxi service. You can order and pay for your transport car all within the app! It often works out cheaper than a regular taxi too.
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play - Transperth
Check bus times, train times and plan out your connections to make public transport a breeze, with the Transperth app.
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play
Apps to order food
Fancy a night of takeaway delivered to your door? There’s an app for that. Here are some popular food delivery apps you can use to browse local restaurants menus, place and order and pay all in-app.
- Uber Eats | Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play
- Deliveroo | Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play
- Menulog | Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play
Apps to stay in touch with loved ones
- Facebook
The most popular social media app in the world, just about everyone seems to be on Facebook these days. Facebook is a great way to stay in touch with loved ones and connect with lost friends, totally free!
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play - WhatsApp
A popular messaging app, WhatsApp lets you text or call anyone you know for free, using your internet connection. This is a great way to keep in touch with international friends and family without incurring those expensive overseas text charges.
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play - Zoom
Zoom is a free video calling app you can use to stay in touch with friends and family. You can easily add multiple people to the call to have a large get together, virtually!
Download now: Apple App Store and Google Play - Facetime
Facetime is automatically installed on all Apple devices and allows you to video call any of your contacts, who also have an Apple product.
Apps to manage finances
Why spend a long time waiting around in line at the bank just for a simple transaction when there is an easier way? Most major banks have an online app where you can do it all. Simply search for your bank in your app store, or go to your bank’s website to find more information. You can use them to:
- Check your account balance
- Transfer money between accounts
- Send money to friends and family
- See your bank statements
- Cancel or ‘lock’ lost cards
- Organise support requests
- Track your spending
- And more!
It is incredible how much you can do with your phone! ‘Appy downloading!’
