Your phone’s best self-care features

Stay safe, connected, and independent using these helpful built-in tools

4 illustrations for a health app, location app, photos app, and clock app

Fill out all your health details 

In Apple’s Health app, you can add info like medical conditions, allergies, meds, and emergency contacts. If you make the app available on your phone’s lock screen, it’s more accessible in an emergency. (On Android, download a free Medical ID app.) 

Make shared photo albums 

In your photo library, make a shared album so your family can upload photos; then breeze through them whenever you want. “This creates the experience of togetherness when it’s not physically possible,” says Niki Campbell, a health coach in Pittsburgh. New pics of the grandkids = instant hit of happiness! 

Share your location with someone special 

This requires trust, but it’s smart, especially if you or a loved one has dementia, says Lisa Levine, author of Midlife, No Crisis.

DR. HEIDI SAYS: 
My favorite phone feature? The actual phone! Texting is great, but it can’t replace conversation.