Many people assume the use of smartphones, tablets and mobile apps is a uniquely youthful endeavor. While there’s certainly some truth to that, older adults are one the fastest growing groups of internet users. New research has shown that the number of seniors who own a smartphone has doubled since 2013 (now 42 percent), and about 34 percent of adults 65 and older use social media.1
It’s clear that these days, mobile apps and smartphones are for everyone, and app developers have taken notice. Mobile apps designed specifically for the elderly are rising in popularity. Their functions range from entertainment and every-day assistance to health monitoring and memory training. There are tons out there, but these are some of the best and most useful apps for the elderly available today.
Find My iPhone (iOS only, free) – As the name suggests, the Find My iPhone app helps people find their misplaced iPhone or iPad. As long as the lost device has an internet connection, users can remotely track it and even wipe the device of sensitive information either from a desktop computer or another iPhone. Simply enable the Find My iPhone setting on the phone and register for an iCloud account to get started.
Senior Savings (iOS only, $0.99) – Everyone loves saving money. Thanks to apps like Senior Savings, it’s never been easier for older adults to find the best deals around town. Senior Savings lists places that offer discounts for people over the age of 50 – restaurants, grocery stores, travel accommodations, entertainment activities and more, including AARP discounts. The app is easy to navigate and organize to best suit the user’s preferences and needs.
GoodRx (Android and iOS, free) – It’s no secret that even with insurance, prescription drug prices in America are some of the highest in the world, and only seem to be getting higher. GoodRx is a must-have for anyone looking to save money on prescriptions. Simply type in the prescription name, and the app will compare prices from local pharmacies and provide any available coupons as well. You just print your coupon at home or show the pharmacist your phone to save money.
iBooks or the Kindle (free) – Both iBooks and the Kindle app feature countless new and classic books that are available for download straight to your mobile device. The Kindle tablet, which is a separate device available for purchase, is especially helpful for seniors because it allows them to adjust the text size and screen brightness.
Lumosity (Android and iOS, free) – Studies have shown there’s potential for certain games and mobile apps to help improve memory, processing and other cognitive functions. Lumosity provides more than 50 games designed to provide a fun way to improve cognitive function and memory. The app also helps users track their progress and share with others.
Crosswords Classic (Android and iOS, $9.99) – It’s all the fun and challenge of doing the crossword puzzle in the newspaper, but there’s hundreds of puzzles to choose from that can be accessed anywhere at any time. There’s also the added benefit of daily reading and puzzle solving which helps keep the mind sharp!
Red Panic Button (Android and iOS, $2.99) – Our loved ones often take pride in maintaining their independence throughout their later years, but that doesn’t stop family members from worrying. The Red Panic app can help quell some of that stress. To report an emergency, like a fall, the user simply presses a red button in the app and the proper parties, including family members, are notified.
AARP Now App (Android and iOS, free) – This app is a must-have for AARP members. It provides all sorts of relevant information such as the latest news, local events, member discounts and even lets you adjust or renew your membership. Even if you’re not a member, you can easily sign up using the app.
EyeReader or Magnifier – For anyone who has trouble reading small print at restaurants, on labels or in the mail, either EyeReader for iOS ($1.99) or Magnifier for Android (free) could really come in handy, as it’s essentially like carrying a magnifying glass in your pocket. Simply turn on the app and hold your phone over the text you’re reading and the app will enlarge and brighten it to the user’s preferences.
Pillboxie (iOS, $0.99) – Anyone on a strict prescription regimen might want to consider downloading Pillboxie. The app can be customized to your schedule so it notifies you when it’s time to take your medication, and it doesn’t require data usage. Even if the medicine-taker isn’t tech savvy, a caregiver or family member can still make great use of Pillboxie.
Many people assume the use of smartphones, tablets and mobile apps is a uniquely youthful endeavor. While there’s certainly some truth to that, older adults are one the fastest growing groups of internet users. New research has shown that the number of seniors who own a smartphone has doubled since 2013 (now 42 percent), and about 34 percent of adults 65 and older use social media.1
It’s clear that these days, mobile apps and smartphones are for everyone, and app developers have taken notice. Mobile apps designed specifically for the elderly are rising in popularity. Their functions range from entertainment and every-day assistance to health monitoring and memory training. There are tons out there, but these are some of the best and most useful apps for the elderly available today.
Find My iPhone (iOS only, free) – As the name suggests, the Find My iPhone app helps people find their misplaced iPhone or iPad. As long as the lost device has an internet connection, users can remotely track it and even wipe the device of sensitive information either from a desktop computer or another iPhone. Simply enable the Find My iPhone setting on the phone and register for an iCloud account to get started.
Senior Savings (iOS only, $0.99) – Everyone loves saving money. Thanks to apps like Senior Savings, it’s never been easier for older adults to find the best deals around town. Senior Savings lists places that offer discounts for people over the age of 50 – restaurants, grocery stores, travel accommodations, entertainment activities and more, including AARP discounts. The app is easy to navigate and organize to best suit the user’s preferences and needs.
GoodRx (Android and iOS, free) – It’s no secret that even with insurance, prescription drug prices in America are some of the highest in the world, and only seem to be getting higher. GoodRx is a must-have for anyone looking to save money on prescriptions. Simply type in the prescription name, and the app will compare prices from local pharmacies and provide any available coupons as well. You just print your coupon at home or show the pharmacist your phone to save money.
iBooks or the Kindle (free) – Both iBooks and the Kindle app feature countless new and classic books that are available for download straight to your mobile device. The Kindle tablet, which is a separate device available for purchase, is especially helpful for seniors because it allows them to adjust the text size and screen brightness.
Lumosity (Android and iOS, free) – Studies have shown there’s potential for certain games and mobile apps to help improve memory, processing and other cognitive functions. Lumosity provides more than 50 games designed to provide a fun way to improve cognitive function and memory. The app also helps users track their progress and share with others.
Crosswords Classic (Android and iOS, $9.99) – It’s all the fun and challenge of doing the crossword puzzle in the newspaper, but there’s hundreds of puzzles to choose from that can be accessed anywhere at any time. There’s also the added benefit of daily reading and puzzle solving which helps keep the mind sharp!
Red Panic Button (Android and iOS, $2.99) – Our loved ones often take pride in maintaining their independence throughout their later years, but that doesn’t stop family members from worrying. The Red Panic app can help quell some of that stress. To report an emergency, like a fall, the user simply presses a red button in the app and the proper parties, including family members, are notified.
AARP Now App (Android and iOS, free) – This app is a must-have for AARP members. It provides all sorts of relevant information such as the latest news, local events, member discounts and even lets you adjust or renew your membership. Even if you’re not a member, you can easily sign up using the app.
EyeReader or Magnifier – For anyone who has trouble reading small print at restaurants, on labels or in the mail, either EyeReader for iOS ($1.99) or Magnifier for Android (free) could really come in handy, as it’s essentially like carrying a magnifying glass in your pocket. Simply turn on the app and hold your phone over the text you’re reading and the app will enlarge and brighten it to the user’s preferences.
Pillboxie (iOS, $0.99) – Anyone on a strict prescription regimen might want to consider downloading Pillboxie. The app can be customized to your schedule so it notifies you when it’s time to take your medication, and it doesn’t require data usage. Even if the medicine-taker isn’t tech savvy, a caregiver or family member can still make great use of Pillboxie.