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By Steve Benoff AI. Artificial Intelligence. Not a day goes by without some reference in the news to AI. Up to now I haven't thought of a need for AI in my life. But I decided on an experiment. I've been planning to write a piece on apps for seniors, but I haven't done the obvious – google "apps for seniors." Thus, my experiment. Google has an AI site – bard.google.com. I entered the following – "write 500 words about smartphone apps for senior citizens." Except for the fact that it gave me a little over 600 words in the 15 seconds it took to write the response to my request, I think it did a pretty good job. (By the way, you may have heard that AI sometimes invents things; all these apps are real.) So, here is this month's article, written by bard.google.com. Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives, and that includes for [sic] senior citizens. There are a wide variety of smartphone apps that can make life easier, more enjoyable, and more connected for seniors. Here are some of the best smartphone apps for senior citizens: • Medisafe is a medication management app that can help seniors stay on top of their prescriptions. The app allows users to create a medication schedule, set reminders, and track their progress. Medisafe also syncs with pharmacies so that users can easily refill prescriptions. • GoodRx is a prescription drug price comparison app that can help seniors save money on their medications. The app allows users to search for prescription drugs by name or by their generic equivalent. GoodRx also provides coupons and discounts that can be used at participating pharmacies. • Find My iPhone is a tracking app that can help seniors find their lost or stolen phones. The app allows users to track their phone's location on a map, remotely lock their phone, or erase all of the data on their phone. • Lumosity is a brain training app that can help seniors improve their cognitive function. The app offers a variety of games and exercises that are designed to challenge the brain. Lumosity has been shown to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. • Pillboxie is a medication management app that is specifically designed for seniors. The app is easy to use and has a variety of features that can help seniors stay on top of their medications. Pillboxie also offers a medication reminder service that can send notifications to users when it is time to take their medication. • BIG Launcher is a launcher app that is designed to make Android smartphones easier to use for seniors. The app has a large font size, simple icons, and a simplified interface. BIG Launcher also offers a variety of accessibility features, such as voice control and magnification. (There are iPhone apps that do the same things.) • Life360 is a family tracking app that can help seniors stay connected with their loved ones. The app allows users to share their location with their family members, and it also provides notifications when users arrive at or leave pre-defined locations. Life360 also offers a panic button feature that can be used to send an emergency alert to family members. • AARP Now is an app from the AARP that provides seniors with a variety of information and resources. The app includes news articles, health information, financial tips, and a directory of senior- friendly businesses. AARP Now also offers a variety of discounts and coupons that can be used by seniors. These are just a few of the many smartphone apps that can be helpful for seniors. With so many great options available, there is sure to be an app that can make life easier, more enjoyable, and more connected for seniors. In addition to using the right apps, there are a few other things you can do to make your smartphone more elderly friendly. Here are a few tips: • Enlarge the font size. This will make it easier for seniors to read text on their phones. • Use a simple launcher. A simple launcher will make it easier for seniors to find and use the apps they need. • Turn on voice control. Voice control can be a helpful way for seniors to interact with their phones without having to type. • Set up emergency alerts. This will allow seniors to quickly send an alert to their loved ones in case of an emergency. By following these tips, you can make your smartphone a more accessible and user-friendly tool for seniors. If you use an app you'd like to share with others, let me know at steve.benoff@verizon.net. 34 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | SEPTEMBER 2023 THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT! Steve Cedes Monthly Article to AI Overlord to Address "Apps for Seniors"

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