December 11th is National App Day! Phone apps have been around for a long time; although the first apps came built into phones (remember playing snake?), apps as we know them today arrived when Apple released their app store in 2008. Smartphone apps can make our lives easier, entertain us, and help us manage our health, but there can also be risks- stolen or sold data, location tracking, identity theft, and loss of privacy. Read on to learn about helpful apps for Washtenaw County seniors and how to make sure you stay safe while browsing the app store.  

 

Downloading Apps 

• The first step to downloading an app is to know what type of phone you have.  
  • Mac/Apple/iPhones run on the iOS operating system and have a different app store than Android phones.  
  • Android phones are phones that run on the Android operating system. Common brands include Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Motorola.  
• Downloading Apps on Your iPhone or Android: A Step-By-Step Guide via National Council on Aging  

 

Entertainment  

• AARP Now– provides members with personalized news, local and virtual events, member-only benefits, discounts, and a digital membership card. AARP membership is not required for the app as a whole, but some features require membership. Available for Android and iPhone.  

• Hoopla– this digital media service lets you borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and tv shows. Available on Android and iPhone.  

• Libby– grants access to free audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines. Connected to your library (get it for Android and iPhone).  

• Kanopy– this video streaming platform focuses on movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films, and educational videos. Available on Android and iPhone. Monthly limit of 8 titles. Check to see if your library supports Kanopy.  

• Pandora– this music streaming service offers free plans (with ads), as well as subscription plans. Can listen to music and podcasts. Available for Android and iPhone.  

• Your local library– downloading an app for your specific library allows you to manage your account, download media, view checkouts and holds, and search the library’s catalogue on the go.  
  • Dexter District Library (iPhone) 
  • Saline District Library (Android and iPhone) 
  • Ypsilanti District Library (Android and iPhone) 

 

Health 

• GoodRx– this app lets you keep track of prescriptions, see prescription prices at different pharmacies, and earn rewards. Available for Android and iPhone.  

• Medisafe– medication management app that helps you stay on track with medications, appointments, and medication reminders. Available for Android and iPhone. This app is HIPPA-Compliant, which means that your medical information is securely stored.  

• MyChart– lets you securely access your health information, message your doctors, view test results, manage appointments, and request medication refills. Available for Android and iPhone. This app is HIPPA-Compliant, which means that your medical information is securely stored. 

• Silver Sneakers GO– this is a fitness app that lets Silver Sneakers members find and track activities, watch video workouts, find lind local in-person classes, and join live online classes. Available for Android and iPhone.  

 

Mental Health 

• Calm– meditation app that provides guided meditations, Sleep Stories, music, and soundscapes to help users manage stress and improve sleep. Paid subscription available; Some introductory content is available for free, including basic meditations, breathing exercises, and nature sounds available with a free account. Available on Android and iPhone.  

 

Safety 

• Everbridge– this app is used by the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office to share emergency alerts and other important information. Available on Android and iPhone.  

• Red Panic Button– when you push the red button, the app will immediately send an SMS and an E-MAIL containing your GPS coordinates in a Google Maps link to all your emergency contacts. Could be used in case of falls. Available on Android and iPhone.  

 

Social 

• FaceTime– this is an Apple video and calling service that lets you video chat with friends and family. Available for iPhone only.  

• Google Meet– this platform lets you video chat with friends, family, and coworkers. Free account limited to one hour per call. Available for Android and iPhone.  

• Zoom– this platform lets you video chat with friends, family, and coworkers. Free account limited to 45 minutes per call. Available for Android and iPhone.  

Note: Skype is being discontinued as of January 2026.  

 

Transportation 

• Ride Pingo– use this app to book a ride on the WAVE Washtenaw and track rides. Available on Android and iPhone.  

• Although AAATA/The Ride doesn’t have an official app, they recommend the following third-party apps: 
  • Transit– accurate real-time arrival countdowns, simple trip planning, step-by-step navigation, crowdsourced transit information, and a quick, easy way to pay your fare. Available on Android and iPhone.  
  • Transit Tracker– helps you navigate transit systems. Available on iPhone only.  

 

Staying Safe when Downloading Apps 

• Make sure to download apps directly from the Android/iPhone app store. 
• Double check before you download- do the name and logo of the app match the name and logo of the program you’re looking for? (e.g., if you’re looking for the Saline Library’s app, does the app say Saline Library or Saline District Library? Are there any typos? Is the logo the same?  
• Read the reviews in the app store.  
• Look at the number of downloads. If a popular app like Pandora doesn’t seem to have many downloads, it may be a fake listing. 
• Read the terms of service and/or privacy policy. Pay special attention to what data is being collected and how it will be used.  
  • Have trouble sorting through the legalese? Try this website that breaks down the terms of service into easy-to-understand bullet points.  
  • In the terms of service/privacy policy, does it seem like the app is asking for unnecessary information such as your call logs, contacts, etc.?  
  • Don’t grant access to your contacts or remote access. 
• See if you can download antivirus software onto your phone.  
• Keep your passwords safe– don’t post them where they can be easily seen and don’t share them.  
• Avoid clicking on ads.  
• Ask yourself if you really need the app.  
• After the download, does your phone run normally, or does it act weird (e.g., freezing, battery draining quicker, etc.)? A phone behaving strangely could be a sign that an app has malware. 
• Make sure to keep all of your apps updated so they’re as secure as possible.  
• Delete unwanted apps. 
• See if you can download an ad-blocker, either for your phone’s operating system (Android/iOS), or your favorite web browser (e.g., Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).