Best Senior Apps: Easy-to-Use Apps for Older Adults

When you think of smartphone apps, you may think of tools related to social networking, games, or video. But there is 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 smartphone 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. Asking friends and family for their support can help make the process go more smoothly.

Different types of apps for seniors

There are endless categories of smartphone apps, many with a specific focus, like video chatting, crossword puzzles, or identifying flora in the wild. But there are a few categories that may be particularly useful for senior users, including communication, health management, and navigation and transportation. 

Communication and video calling apps

Communication and video calling apps enable senior users to connect with friends and family who are unable to visit in person. Several studies show that using smartphones to connect with others can increase social participation, reduce loneliness, and improve life satisfaction in older adults.

Though the quality of these apps can vary, some have high-quality video and audio capabilities that cater to the hearing and vision needs of seniors. 

Health and medication management apps

Health management is one of the more popular app categories among seniors. One survey of Canadian seniors found that 76% of respondents aged 60 and older were interested in using an app to improve their health. 

These apps can assist users with a variety of functions, including managing medications, remote patient monitoring, emergency contact integration, gaining access to healthcare providers and/or health records, and maintaining independence with healthcare management.

Navigation and transportation apps

Whether you’re looking for reliable directions or need a ride-sharing app with senior-friendly interfaces, navigation, and transportation apps can help you get where you’re going. 

Top app recommendations for seniors

Below are our top app recommendations for seniors in the aforementioned categories:

Communication and video calling: FaceTime

If you have an iPhone and are already familiar with some of its features, you may prefer to use FaceTime, the free video messaging app built into iPhones. Its large buttons and simple interface make it easy to talk and see your loved ones. Just be sure you have a stable connection to the internet before placing the call. 

Health and medication management: Pillboxie

In truth, the best health and medication management app will vary depending on your unique health goals and needs. But if you’re looking for an app to help you manage your medications, Pillboxie is a great option. It allows you to visually manage your medications and schedule reminders so that you never miss a dose. The interface is intuitive and designed for seniors and their caregivers.

Navigation and transportation: Google Maps

Google Maps is a great all-in-one navigation app that can give you clear instructions on how to get where you‘re going, help you set parking location reminders to help you find your car on the way back, and offer recommended public transportation transit routes and wait times. You can download it for free on an Android or iPhone.

If you’re looking for a ride share, try Lyft Silver, a car service designed specifically for older adults.  

Senior-friendly app features to look for

Regardless of what type of app you’re looking for, some general features 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 right one for your needs. It also may take some time to feel comfortable and confident using the app’s 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.

Sources

Jeong, H. N., Chang, S. J., & Kim, S. (2023). Associations with smartphone usage and life satisfaction among older adults: Mediating roles of depressive symptoms and cognitive function. Geriatric Nursing, 55, 168–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.11.013 

Sproul, A., Stevens, J., & Richard, J. (2023). Older Adults’ Use of and Interest in Technology and Applications for Health Management: a survey study. The Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 76(3), 209–215. https://doi.org/10.4212/cjhp.3261