Kids are out of the house. Life still seems like it’s going 100 miles per hour. Whether you’ve avoided technology or embraced it, it can make your life as an empty nester much better.
Technology isn’t just “for the kids.” Of people in the U.S. ages 50-64, 79% own a smartphone, while 53% of seniors own a smartphone (according to Pew Research). App developers have recognized that the older population is becoming more comfortable with new technology. As a result, this awareness means that more apps are coming out geared towards older adults.
On this list of the best apps for empty nesters, we’ll provide some apps specifically created for older adults. We’ll also list some apps that you’ll be grateful to have.
11 Best Apps for Empty Nesters
Skype and FaceTime are video calling apps that allow you to make video calls over the internet to other people using the app. These apps will enable you to see your kids (or grandkids!) anytime you’d like. Skype also works on computers and Android phones and tablets. FaceTime only works on Apple devices but comes installed from the factory.
If you’re tired of cooking the same old things, Epicurious offers tons of new recipes to try out. Now that you don’t have picky kids at home to cook for, get experimental with your cooking! Try something new without having to buy a new cookbook. The app is free; the ingredients for dinner aren’t though.
If you like to or plan to travel, this is one of the best apps for empty nesters out there. However, hotels can be uncomfortable and expensive. Airbnb offers the opportunity to vacation in a cozier setting by connecting you with people who rent out their house or a private room. Airbnb is available through its website and mobile app.
You’ve probably already heard about Uber and Lyft, the ridesharing companies. Lyft makes it easy to get a ride anywhere you are, without having to worry about driving or renting a car.
This excellent app is a catalog of book reviews. The app doesn’t offer the books for purchase, but rather, gives users a place to read reviews and ratings of books. Not sure what to read next? Curious about a book you saw on the library shelf? Check Goodreads to find out what other people are saying about it.
Love reading but need to stay active? Audible offers a library of audiobooks to listen to while out on a walk, taking a road trip, or doing chores around the house. Audible does require a monthly membership fee, and the audiobooks aren’t free. However, you can enjoy premium, quality audiobooks at the touch of a button.
Maybe music is your thing instead of audiobooks. Pandora is a curated internet radio app that creates stations based on the music you like. No need to settle for over-the-air radio anymore. The app has a free version (with ads) and a premium version for only $3.99 per month.
Hey, we all lose track of things from time to time. This app helps you locate your phone when you just can’t seem to remember where you left it. This app is free for Android and iPhone.
- Messages
Yes, messages. This app is one of the biggest reasons to get a smartphone if you don’t already have one. Why? Four words: pictures of your grandkids. My mom wasn’t able to see the pictures of her grandsons that we kept sending her on her old phone. Her smartphone is like a grandkid photo album she carries with her everywhere. Messages comes installed on every smartphone.
The AARP app provides a calendar of local events along with discounts you can enjoy with your AARP membership. Must be an AARP member to realize the benefits of this app.
Mint is a personal budgeting app that helps you keep track of your spending in different categories based on the limits you set. If you’re living on a fixed income, you know how important it is to plan your spending. Hence, this app makes budgeting a little easier by connecting to your financial institutions to track your income and expenses.
We hope you found something on this list that you can start using right away. Technology can add so much to your life as an empty nester. Furthermore, you might consider downsizing your home since you need less space these days. If you do, let Baker Realty help you through the process. Contact us today!
