The right technology can help the older adults in your life improve their own quality of life. The right technology has been linked to lower rates of depression, better self-rated health, fewer chronic conditions in seniors, and a reduction in the effects of loneliness. Smartphones in particular are a great way for older adults to find convenience, community, and creativity.
As smartphones continue to improve, more and more apps become available, offering valuable functions and opportunities for seniors. If you’re looking for the best apps for seniors, it’s best to start with knowing what will benefit a senior’s life most without becoming overwhelming.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best apps for elderly people. Whether you’re searching for the best free apps for seniors, the best iPad apps for older adults, or the best apps for older parents, our list is sure to be useful. These apps help support day-to-day tasks, monitor health, or provide entertainment.
Best Apps for Seniors to Improve Day-to-Day Life
1. AARP Now
This is one of the best free apps for seniors who want to stay up to date on local news and events. The AARP mobile app provides access to local events, senior-specific news, and more. Seniors can enable push notifications to receive alerts on nearby events and promotions so they always stay involved in their local community. This app is available for both iOS and Android.
2. Find My iPhone
For those with an iPhone, this is one of the best free apps for seniors since it can help keep track of your device. This app can ensure that you’ll never misplace your expensive smartphone, or, if you do, you can find it easily. It can also keep tabs on your device if it gets lost or stolen. This is specifically an iOS app, but Android does have a similar option called Find My Device.
3. Lyft or Uber
These apps are free to download, and then you pay for each ride you schedule. Available for both iOS and Android, Lyft and Uber have grown in popularity and have become the standard for ride services in recent years. Ridesharing has become a popular form of transportation due to its ease.
Both apps use GPS tracking to connect with nearby background-checked drivers who accept your trip and pick you up in a matter of minutes. Payment methods can be set when registering an account, so seniors don’t have to worry about searching for cash or a card at the end of the trip. Tips can also be left in the app at any point during the ride.
4. Magnifying Glass
This is a great free app for seniors who are having difficulty reading. The Magnifying Glass + Light app opens your camera and flashlight to help with small print. It includes many easy-to-use features, allowing the user to zoom as needed and adjust the brightness. While the app is free, there is a paid version that provides more advanced settings.
5. Video Chat Apps
Every senior should have a great video calling app. Whether it’s FaceTime, Google Duo, Zoom, Skype, or another app of your choice, video calls are a great way to stay connected with grandchildren, children, friends, and other relatives. Getting older parents familiar with a video call app can enhance their quality of life and improve communication.
Many video call apps can be downloaded for free, but the best app may depend on your senior’s smartphone. FaceTime is best for iOS users, Google Duo works well for Android, and other third party apps like Zoom or Skype work with both. You may have to add in contacts, though, and share a chat link.
Best Apps for Elderly Adults that Focus on Health
1. GoodRx
Prescription expenses can quickly add up for seniors, but this app was developed to help lower costs and make healthy living more accessible for older adults. GoodRx helps you find deals and coupons for prescription drugs. It compares prices from more than 70,000 pharmacies to make sure you’re paying the lowest price. This app is free for both iOS and Android.
2. Pacer
The Pacer app is similar to owning a Fitbit or other fitness tracker. It uses your phone to track your steps, and seniors can use this app to keep track of their regular walks and routes. This app also has a social function where you can connect with friends, create and participate in challenges, and encourage each other to stay fit and active. The app is free, but certain features require payment for access.
3. MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is one of the top apps for anyone looking to track and improve their diet and fitness goals. Not only does the app provide a database of food options to help track nutrients and calories, but you can also upload recipes and scan groceries for straightforward tracking. This is available for both iOS and Android.
4. SmartBP
SmartBP can help seniors stay on top of their heart health by tracking blood pressure and taking other measurements. This app is designed to help you stay proactive about your health, specifically your blood pressure. It’s available for both iOS and Android.
Best Apps for Older Parents that Provide Entertainment
1. Spotify
Any music lover will fall in love with this app that’s available for both iOS and Android systems. Spotify is free with ads, but they also offer a premium option to make streaming your favorite music effortless. Seniors can unwind by listening to their favorite songs, albums, podcasts, and more. You can look up your favorite artists, genres, or tune in to a radio mix.
2. TV Streaming Apps
Nowadays, there are nearly as many streaming apps to choose from as TV shows. Netflix, HBO Max, Peacock, Hulu, and others all have apps you can download onto mobile devices so you can watch your favorite shows from anywhere. Most of these services do have a subscription cost.
3. Reading Apps
Reading can be a great way for seniors to spend their time. Apple Books, Kindle, and Google Play Books are all options that can help you gain access to a plethora of books without collecting heavy hardcover copies. These reading apps allow you to download your favorite content onto a single device so you can bring your favorite stories with you wherever you go.
4. Social Media Apps
Staying social can help boost a senior’s mood, and apps like Facebook, Instagram, and even the more modern TikTok can help keep your senior connected and entertained. These platforms can help seniors stay in touch with their loved ones and keep up to date on what’s going on in other people’s lives.
5. Game Apps
Some favorite games can now be found as apps in our increasingly digital environment. The New York Times Crossword mobile app, for example, is now available to complete the newspaper’s famous puzzles. Wheel of Fortune can also be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. Lastly, Sudoku is accessible through both app stores and offers a variety of difficulty levels.
Enhance Your Senior’s Quality of Life
All seniors deserve to live a life that’s enjoyable and full of their favorite things. Reach out to us with any you have regarding living situations for seniors. We can help you find what’s best for you or your senior parent so that comfort and quality of life remain priorities. We believe the right community and living situation can make all the difference.