Best Apps for Seniors: Essential Smartphone Apps for Older Adults
When you think of smartphone apps, you may think of tools related to social networking, games, or video. But there are a wide variety of smartphone apps available, many of which can offer unique benefits for seniors.
Smartphone apps can help older adults stay in touch with loved ones near and far, manage medications and other health needs, and access safe and efficient transportation.
In this article, we’ll cover the top app categories and recommendations for seniors and how to get started with using apps on your smartphone.
Key takeaways:
Smartphone apps can help seniors communicate with friends and loved ones, manage their health needs, and access safe and reliable transportation.
Many apps offer senior-friendly features, like large button interfaces, simple controls, and audio alerts.
It’s important to be patient when understanding how to use new smartphone apps. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for their support!
App categories and top app recommendations for seniors
There are endless categories of smartphone apps. There’s something for everything, including video chatting, crossword puzzles, and identifying different plants. But there are a few categories that may be particularly useful for senior users: communication, health management, and transportation.
Communication and video calling apps
Communication and video calling apps help seniors connect with friends and family who cannot visit often. Several studies show that using smartphones to connect with others can increase social participation, reduce loneliness, and improve life satisfaction in older adults.
Apps like FaceTime, Skype, and WhatsApp offer video calling so you can see and hear your friends and grandkids. Of course, you can also use texting, standard phone calls, or Facebook messenger for day-to-day communication too.
Health and medication management apps
Health management is one of the more popular app categories among seniors. Recent KFF research found that 80% of Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 and older used a health app or website in the last year. 55% of seniors use multiple apps. Many of those asked shared that using these apps makes it easier to use the health system.
There are a variety of health-related apps, including those that help with:
Medication management
Fitness tracking
Heart health tracking
Fall detection
Finding in-network doctors
Using OTC benefits
Fitness and health tracking apps
If you have an Apple Watch, Oura Ring, or other fitness and health tracking device, your device will have an app that pairs with it. These apps track different health metrics, but will usually track some fitness, heart, and sleep metrics to help you get a grasp on your health.
Medication management
A simple search in the App Store or Google Play store will show you a ton of options for medication management apps.
A couple popular ones are Pillboxie and MediSafe, but you should really just look for one that has the features you’re looking for, like:
Notifications to remind you to take your medications at the right time
Reminders for when you need to refill prescriptions
Clean and simple layout for easy tracking
Spending Medicare Advantage OTC benefits
Each insurance company has its own app or partner app that allows you to use your OTC benefits online—but those apps can be difficult to use. The Chapter OTC app makes it easy for you to spend your OTC credits, regardless of which Medicare plan you are on.
With the Chapter OTC app, you can:
Check the balance of your OTC benefit
See a catalog of eligible items specific to your OTC benefit
Place your order to be delivered to your home
Sign up for reminders so you never miss out on using your OTC benefit again
Fall detection apps
Fall detection devices often pair with apps that allow you to input emergency contact information. Some health and fitness tracking devices also provide fall detection!
Navigation and transportation apps
There are navigation apps, like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze, which can help you get around—or get back on your route if you miss a turn.
There are also transportation apps that help you get a ride to the grocery store or a doctor appointment if you are unable to drive yourself. The most popular ride-sharing apps are Lyft and Uber—and both offer senior-friendly features, like the ability to choose easy-entry cars or enlarge the text within the app.
Audio entertainment apps
Need something to listen to while you walk, drive, or do household chores?
Audible and other audio book apps
You can use Audible to listen to audio books, which is especially helpful for people who have vision trouble. Audible is just one option—many libraries also offer audiobooks through different apps, so ask your local librarians if this is something you’re interested in!
Spotify and Apple Music
Spotify and Apple Music offer a ton of value through massive music libraries, podcasts, and audio books. Listen to old school classics or today’s latest hits!
Gaming apps
There are SO many games available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store! And about 50% of seniors play games regularly—with 84% saying their smartphone is their main gaming device, according to AARP research.
We simply cannot list all of the games available to you, but below are a few popular ones:
Solitaire, Hearts, Spades and other classic card games
Viral phone games, like Candy Crush and Angry Birds
Sudoku, word search, crosswords, and other similar puzzle games
Tetris and other tetris-like games, like Block Blast
Farm games, like Township
Social games like Words with Friends
Color by number games
If you have a tablet, you’ll have access to an even bigger library of gaming apps, including some adaptations of popular board games, like Ticket to Ride and Settlers of Catan.
Senior-friendly app features to look for
Regardless of what type of app you’re looking for, there are some general features that can help make your user experience more straightforward and less frustrating:
Large text display
Large buttons
Visual and audio alerts
Emergency contact integration
Accessibility options
Tips for seniors getting started with apps
If you’re curious about trying a new smartphone app but don’t know where to start, reach out to a friend or family member for help. Having their support will help to make the process more fun and less daunting.
Keep in mind that with all the app options available in today’s marketplace it may take some time to find the ones you like the most. It also may take some time to feel comfortable and confident using different app features. Don’t get discouraged and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Bottom line
Using smartphone apps can help you feel more connected to your loved ones, more empowered in managing your healthcare needs, and more confident in getting around town.
Not all apps are built for senior users, so it may take some time to find the right one for you and learn all of its features and capabilities. But asking for help can go a long way. Lean on your friends and family for support and don’t be afraid to experiment with different app categories and features.
Frequently asked questions
What are the easiest apps for seniors to use?
The easiest apps for seniors to use will vary depending on an individual’s needs, preferences, and comfort with technology. Generally, finding an app that has a simple interface, large buttons, and the option for a large text display can make the experience more senior-friendly..
How do I download apps safely on my smartphone?
You can download apps safely through your smartphone’s app store. If you’re unsure how to download an app safely and securely, reach out to a friend or family member for help.
Are there free apps designed specifically for seniors?
Yes, some free apps designed specifically for seniors include Medisafe, a medication management app, Google Maps, a navigation app, and Magnifying Glass and Flashlight, which helps improve text readability on smartphones for seniors.