Software Apps for Seniors that Make Life Easier

Those reading this who are tech-savvy know all about the benefits of apps for seniors. But for those who aren’t – an app (short for application) is a type of software that can be installed and run on a mobile phone, computer, tablet, or other electronic device.

And there are apps you can download (install) that will enrich your life as a senior adult. These include apps to assist you with your health, provide entertainment and social connections, and offer educational opportunities.

There are even apps that provide practical help with day-to-day tasks. And many of them are free.

Apps for Our Health

As we age, managing an increasing number of medications and our other health needs become more challenging. However, there are apps to help sort through the complexities of medication management and provide assistance in developing good health habits:

Medisafe. Just type in your list of medications and when they should be taken, and the Medisafe app will create a visual schedule for taking them, along with a list of potentially harmful interactions. Throughout your day, the app will give you reminders when it is time to take your medications, as well as let you know if a prescription is running low.

GoodRx. This app helps users compare prescription drug prices at different pharmacies and find coupons. The app also alerts you if a prescription drops in price and when you may be due for a refill. If you have the Medisafe app, you already have access to GoodRx.

ShopWell. The ShopWell app will help you match foods to meet your health needs.

Social Connections and Entertainment

Enjoying what we love and remaining connected to friends and family are important for everyone, particularly seniors.

Spotify. The Spotify app allows you to listen to music of your choosing. Once you pick the genre, style or performers you like, the app will curate music for you based on your preferences.

Words with Friends. This app provides online word games you can play with friends and loved ones located anywhere in the world.

Zoom. This video-conferencing app enables you to remotely connect to relatives and friends wherever they are located. It’s a wonderful way for groups to get together and see each other virtually.

Practical Apps for Seniors

Negotiating the everyday things in life is made easier by these apps.

Google Maps. When you forget where you parked your car, the Google Maps app can remind you where it is. The map enables you to click on a blue dot when you park your car and set it as the car’s location. Then when you are ready to return to where you parked, simply click the “Directions” icon and choose “Saved Parking” to guide you back to your car.

Mint. This app helps seniors keep an eye on their finances and budgets. You can track your spending, see your monthly bills, and build better financial habits.

Ridesharing. If you are no longer driving, Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing services are available via apps.

Educational Opportunities

There are various apps for seniors wanting to learn at home, which connect you to a vast number of resources to keep you learning and mentally stimulated.

Goodreads. Goodreads is a social network and review site for book lovers. It rates millions of titles and provides custom reading lists. You can participate in group discussions and receive personalized recommendations based on past favorites.

Audible. If you have vision problems or find it difficult to hold a book, audiobooks are a great alternative to print. Audible has a huge selection of books to choose from.

Luminosity. This app provides puzzles and brain teasers to challenge your brain. You can work on improving memory, attention, and problem-solving.

How to Download (Install) an App

If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

• Open the App Store app icon on your device (it has a blue background with a capital “A” in white)
• Search for the app that you want to download
• Tap or click the price or Get button

In the App Store, if an app has a Get button instead of a price, the app is free.

You can find apps you have already purchased in your App Library by clicking here.

If you own an Android device, you can download apps from Google Play by doing the following:

• On your phone, use the icon for Play Store app
• On your computer, go to play.google.com
• Find the app you want.
• When you select an app, tap Install (for free apps) or the app’s price.

For help, click here.

For more blog posts on senior-friendly technology, visit our blog.