Retirement Life
1 October 2025
There’s an app for that!
It seems like there’s an app for everything these days – and most of the time there is. But while some may be gimmicky, others can really make a difference in your day-to-day life. We’ve rounded up a few to consider.
You can find these apps by searching in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your phone and then clicking 'Download'.
Banking apps
As more bank branches close or reduce their hours, banking apps are increasingly handy. Basic functions include checking balances, paying bills and transferring cash. They’re also helpful in blocking, unblocking or replacing your card if something goes wrong – useful when travelling. Some will even let you open new accounts without visiting a branch. Using biometric login (fingerprint/face) on your phone means it’s secure, and you don’t need to use another password.
Find your parked car
Can’t remember where you parked the car at that big event? Fear not – there’s an app for that, too!
Try Find My Car (iOS) or Find My Parked Car (also from Apple). If you’re more of an Android person, try Where is my car. Don’t forget the Google Maps app can also be used for this. Open the Google Maps app when you park, tap the blue dot that shows your current location, and then scroll through to select ‘Save parking’ from the menu that appears. Then, simply look for the small ‘P’ icon on the map when you need to locate the car again.
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Audiobook apps
If you’re a book fiend but struggle with small print or prefer to listen to your literature while on the road, then check out your library’s audiobook collection. The specific apps used to access these vary, but could include Libby, BorrowBox, or a custom app tailored for your library.
There can be a wait for popular audiobooks sometimes, and if this is a problem, you could sign up for paid apps like Libro.fm (which also supports independent bookstores) or Audible to get them straight away.
Elli Cares
Elli Cares is an award-winning New Zealand-developed dementia support app designed to help those with early to mid-stage cognitive impairment and their families. It includes medicine, tasks, and appointment reminders. It also includes ‘safe zones’, so if the user leaves a specific safe area, they receive a notification to help. Family members can receive messages too, including when medications are missed or their loved one leaves the safe zone.
Cost-splitting apps
If you’re the organiser of group outings that often involve divvying up the costs afterwards, then try one of these. They do all the maths magically for you, so you know who owes what. Check out Splitwise, Tricount, Splid, Settle Up or Travel Spend. Make sure you research exactly what you need the app to do for you and what the free versus paid tiers include.
Nymbl
Nymbl is a free balance training app you can use in the comfort of your own home, provided free of charge in New Zealand by ACC. It’s designed for older adults (50 years and above), with the intention of improving strength and balance, and reducing the risk of falls. ACC has described it as one of its most successful injury prevention tools. Learn more about it here.
SuperGold card
What bigger perk of turning 65 is there than reaching SuperGold card age and receiving all the associated perks and discounts? Have them at your fingertips when you’re out and about by downloading the app.
Others to consider
• Your favourite radio station for listening on the go
• Magnifier apps or your camera to zoom in on tiny text
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Written by:
Sonia Speedy
Sonia Speedy has been a journalist for over 20 years, working in newspapers, magazines and radio. She also runs an online platform for parents at familytimes.co.nz. She lives on the Kāpiti Coast with her young family and loves writing stories that help make people's lives easier.
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