Top Smartphone Apps For Seniors

Learn how these Apps can help you harness the power of technology to better age in place! Since the launch of the App Store in 2008, Apple’s slogan “There’s an app for that!” has proven true. Over a decade later, the combined app offerings from Apple and Google Play exceed 5.6 million, catering to virtually every need and preference. For seniors, apps can significantly enhance their ability to age in place, maintain independence, and stay connected with loved ones. We’ve curated a practical guide featuring the top smartphone apps for seniors.

Apps for Staying in Touch

Families are more spread out than ever before. Fortunately, many apps help keep everyone connected.

See Your Loved Ones with Video Chat:

• FACETIME (Apple Only)
• GOOGLE MEET (Apple & Android) (Android Tutorial)
• ZOOM (Apple & Android (Android Tutorial)

Follow Along with Everyone’s Updates:

• FACEBOOK (Apple & Android): Connect with friends and family, see their updates and photos, and send messages directly through secure chat.(Android Tutorial)
• INSTAGRAM (Apple & Android): Focuses on photo and video sharing with direct messaging options. (Android Tutorial)

Apps for Managing Health

Manage your diet, medication, and overall health from your phone or tablet.

• MEDISAFE (Apple & Android): Set reminders for medication, track interactions, and alert family members if a dose is missed. (Android Tutorial)
• SHOPWELL (Apple & Android): Provides dietary guidance based on health needs and preferences. (Android Tutorial)
• MY FITNESS PAL (Apple & Android): Offers a comprehensive food database and barcode scanner for tracking nutrition. (Android Tutorial)

Apps for Groceries and Food Delivery

Conveniently shop for groceries and get food delivered to your doorstep or find a food pantry.

• WALMART (Apple & Android): Order groceries and home goods with fast delivery. (Android Tutorial)
• INSTACART (Apple & Android): Browse and order from local stores with same-day delivery. (Android tutorial)
• FOODFINDER (Android) Locate food banks and pantries near you. (Android tutorial)

Get Your Favorite Meals as Takeout:

• UBEREATS (Apple & Android) (Android tutorial)
• DOORDASH (Apple & Android) (Android tutorial)

Apps for Transportation

Regain independence and access reliable transportation without needing a car.

• UBER (Apple & Android) (Android tutorial)
• LYFT (Apple & Android) (Android tutorial)

Apps for Music & Entertainment

Endless options for entertainment at your fingertips.

Listen to Your Favorite Tunes or Talk Shows:

• PANDORA (Apple & Android) Stream music with a free ad-supported version or a premium ad-free subscription. (Android tutorial)
• NPR (Apple & Android): Listen to National Public Radio’s podcasts, news, and live shows. (Android tutorial)

Get On-Demand Access to TV & Movies:

****Please note: Some of these streaming services are provided for free for a limited time with your cell service provider or in conjunction with other subscription services. Check with them first to see if your plan qualifies and if they have it available as a benefit. Example, at the time of this writing, I currently have service with TMobile and my Netflix and Hulu are free through them because of the plan I have. I also get Paramount for free because I have a Walmart+ subscription. These can change from time to time. It pays to check!

• NETFLIX (Apple & Android): Stream movies and TV shows ad-free with a subscription. (Android tutorial)
• HULU (Apple & Android): Offers movies, TV shows, and live TV with different subscription plans. (Android tutorial)
• PARAMOUNT (Apple & Android) Stream movies, Sports, TV Shows and live TV with different subscription plans. (CBS) (Android tutorial)
• ROKU (Apple & Android) Stream movies, TV Shows and live TV with free and subscription plans. (Android Tutorial)

Play Your Favorite Puzzle Games:

• SUDOKU.COM (Apple & Android) (Android Tutorial)
• CROSSWORD PUZZLES (Apple & Android) (Android Tutorial)

Read the Latest Books & Magazines:

• KINDLE (Apple & Android): Purchase and read e-books and magazines with customizable accessibility options. (Android Tutorial)
• AUDIBLE (Apple & Android): Listen to thousands of audiobooks with various membership plans. 
• MAGNIFYING GLASS (Apple & Android): Use your phone as a magnifier for reading small print. 

Apps for Saving Money

Save money effortlessly with these apps.

• SENIOR DISCOUNTS & COUPONS (Apple & Android): Find senior discounts, exclusive coupons.   
• GOODRX (Apple & Android): Compare prescription drug prices and find coupons. (Android Tutorial)
• GROUPON (Apple & Android): Save on local activities and services.
• SLICK DEALS (Apple & Android): This app curates deals from your favorite stores. 

Gas Apps To Help Save Money On Gas

• UPSIDE (Apple & Android): Shows you gas discounts near you. 
• GASBUDDY (Apple & Android) Shows you gas deals near you. 
• FUELREWARDS (Apple & Android) Gas deals at Shell gas stations 

Apps for Safety

Ensure safety and peace of mind with these useful apps.

• LIVELY (Apple & Android): Access emergency response services with one tap (subscription required). 
• LIFE360 (Apple & Android): Share your location with family and get alerts based on movement and location (includes emergency response access). 

Other Helpful Apps for Seniors

• THE WEATHER CHANNEL (Apple & Android): Stay updated on the weather anytime, anywhere.
• THUMBTACK (Apple & Android): Hire local contractors and service professionals, compare costs, and read reviews. 
• FIND MY IPHONE/GOOGLE FIND MY DEVICE (Apple/Android): Track and locate your missing device. 

Never Forget Your Passwords Again:

• LASTPASS (Apple & Android) 
• 1PASSWORD (Apple & Android) 

These top smartphone apps for seniors offer a range of functionalities to enhance quality of life, from staying connected and managing health, saving money to entertainment and safety.

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