Best Apps For Seniors in 2022: The Ultimate List

Not all apps are created equal—but whether you’re an iPhone or an Android user, rest assured there are hundreds of apps that are well-designed, effective, and accessible for seniors.

The Best iPhone Apps for Seniors

One of the best iPhone apps for senior citizens, Apple’s quintessential Find My app makes it a breeze to keep track of all your Apple devices—from computer to iPad to iPhone to AirPods. In addition, Find My is one of the best iPad apps for seniors, as it can also be installed on your iPad to find your iPhone. If you’re worried about keeping all of your technology safe and secure, make sure you have the Find My app installed on your devices. You can also access the locations of friends and family via the Find My app. Simply invite your friends and family members to share their locations and then you can see where they are on the map.

Cost: Free

Learn more: https://www.apple.com/icloud/find-my/

We’ve all been there: You’ve parked your car in a crowded grocery store, mall, or airport parking lot and you think you’ll remember exactly where you left it. But once you leave the store, it’s nearly impossible to find your car again. Enter: the Park-N-Find app. An iPhone app, Park-N-Find makes sure you can find your car in a crowded parking lot within minutes. Simply hit a button to “record” where you parked your car—and then your phone will show your car on a map so you can easily navigate back to it.

Cost: Free

Learn more: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/park-n-find/id1068711953

Sure, your phone has a flashlight built-in but this senior app for iPhone gives you access to a full range of settings, including an emergency flashing SOS pattern. If you feel like your eyesight isn’t what it once was, download this powerful flashlight app in times of need—maybe at a dimly-lit restaurant when you’re trying to find the perfect meal, or while sorting through the mail.

Cost: Free

Learn more: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flashlight/id381471023

Best Apple Watch Apps for Seniors

There are a number of Apple Watch apps for seniors—and one that we like is ElderCheck Now. When you’re wearing your Apple Watch, this app lets your loved ones or family members quickly check in on your health status. They can see your heart rate and your location. If they’re worried about your safety, they can request that you click a button and let them know that you’re safe and sound. It also allows your loved ones to request a call from you. One of the best apps for senior citizens living alone, ElderCheck now provides peace of mind to your loved ones while keeping you safe and healthy.

Cost: Free

Learn more: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/eldercheck-now/id1050773399

Mango Health helps simplify your daily health routines. The bright, cheerful app features reminders to take your medicine, keep up with healthy habits, and learn more about side effects associated with your medications. With Mango Health, it’s seamless to schedule customized pill reminders. Plus, you can set custom notifications to remind you to drink water, record your mood, track your diet, track your step count, check your blood glucose levels, and so much more.

Cost: Free

Learn more: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mango-health/id560657279

Curious about your sleep health? More and more research is discovering the true importance of a good night’s rest on all aspects of physical and mental health. With the help of your Apple Watch, you can add SleepWatch to your nightly routine. The app detects how long it takes you to fall asleep, how long you spend actually asleep, and how often your sleep is disrupted. It can even monitor your heart rate as you sleep, which can be a good metric to track over time.

Cost: Free version available; premium membership available for $3.99 per month or $29.99 per year

Learn more: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sleep-watch-by-bodymatter/id1138066420

Best Android Apps for Seniors

One of the best Android apps for seniors, the Android version of Apple’s Find My app is very helpful—and it works in a nearly identical way. Simply see where your phone, tablet, or watch is located on a map, navigate to your device using Google Maps, and even play a sound at full volume to try to locate your device. This app is worth having for peace of mind.

Cost: Free

Learn more: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.adm

If you’re a senior with vision impairment or blindness, the BIG Launcher app is a great addition. It works by replacing the user interface of any Android phone or tablet with enlarged buttons and text, ensuring maximum readability and ease of use. And because of the large buttons and bright interface, it’s much easier to navigate your phone. You can also add shortcuts for apps, websites, or widgets that you access frequently—so you can save time and hassle.

Cost: Free

Learn more: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.kunes.android.launcher.demo&hl=en

A popular app for seniors, Big Buttons Keyboard enlarges the entire keyboard on your Android device to make it easier to read and type on, easily making this one of the best tablet apps for seniors. Let’s be honest: the tiny keys on your phone or tablet’s keyboard just don't cut it. Try the Big Buttons Keyboard app and we bet it’ll make a big difference.

Cost: Free

Learn more: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bigbuttons&hl=en

One of the best smartphone apps for seniors, Medical ID App allows you to create a medical profile for yourself that is accessible at all times—even if your phone is locked. This profile can include vital medical information, such as your medical contacts, your blood type, any allergies, and more. In the case that a first responder or bystander has to act quickly, they’ll be able to access crucial information to keep you safe.

The app has both free and premium versions. The paid version includes a few extra features, including a compass, a current location, and a calculation of body mass index.

Cost: Free version or premium for $5.49

Learn more: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.medicalid.free&hl=en_US

NPR

Do you like staying up on the news? If yes, the NPR app is perfect for you. It gives you 24/7 access to a feed of local and national news that’s easy to listen to at any time. And if you have a favorite NPR show, you can also access it directly in the app—even if it’s not live on air. The NPR app is also great for tablets or iPads.

Cost: Free

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/npr/id324906251

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.npr.one&hl=en_US&gl=US

The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel app offers a comprehensive overview of the latest weather updates so you can prepare yourself for any storms, snow, or local wildfires depending on the climate where you live. Plus, you can track daily forecasts and receive live radar updates.

Cost: Free

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weather-the-weather-channel/id295646461

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.weather.Weather&hl=en_US&gl=US

Magnifying Glass

One of the most useful devices available for seniors, give your eyes a break and rely on your phone’s camera to magnify text that’s too small to read. As one of the best apps for seniors, this app transforms your phone into a powerful magnifying glass—so you can read the fine print on menus, newspapers, or bills with ease.

Cost: Free

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/magnifying-glass/id1190017609

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app2u.magnifier&hl=en_US&gl=US

Word with Friends

Take your game night virtual with the Words with Friends app. This popular game lets you challenge your friends and family or play solo. It’s a fantastic way to stimulate your brain, build your vocabulary, and stay sharp.

Cost: Free

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/words-with-friends-classic/id321916506

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zynga.words&hl=en_US&gl=US

Facebook

Facebook is a ubiquitous social media platform that unites friends and families all over the world—and it’s one of the easiest ways to stay connected with your loved ones, near and far. Not only does the Facebook app allow you to see the latest timeline updates and interact with your social media feed, but you can also use Facebook Messenger to call or chat with your loved ones. All you need is a Facebook account to get started.

Cost: Free

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/facebook/id284882215

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.katana&hl=en_US&gl=US

Skype

Skype is a fantastic way to stay connected with family and friends across the globe via easy-to-use video calls. Skype is available for all phones, tablets, PCs, and Macs—so you can reach anyone who has the Skype app downloaded on their device. Plus, Skype also features instant messaging functionalities—so you can send and receive messages and photos with your loved ones.

Cost: Free

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/skype/id304878510

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skype.raider&hl=en_US&gl=US

Red Panic Button

An emergency app for seniors, the Red Panic Button is similar to a medical alert necklace. But instead of having to wear a trinket around your neck to stay safe, simply keep your phone nearby. If something happens, you press the red panic button app and it will immediately send out a message to a list of loved ones. It will also broadcast your location to users you’ve pre-selected to receive it in case of emergency.

Cost: Free

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/red-panic-button/id422029296

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.ucsoftware.panicbuttonpro&hl=en_US&gl=US

FallSafety Home

For older adults who may feel anxiety or worry about falling when home alone, consider the FallSafety Home app. A fantastic senior safety app for iPhone, FallSafety Home offers intelligent fall detection and automatic alerts for emergency assistance. It’s easy to set up an account—just choose personal emergency contacts to be notified in case of a detected fall.

Cost: Free for 1 emergency contact

Available only for Apple Watch and iOS

Learn more: https://fallsafetyapp.com/fallsafety-home

Senior Safety App

An emergency app for seniors, the Safety Senior App is great for Android users looking for an effective app with a number of emergency features. This app allows you to quickly request help in case of emergency, alert your emergency contact to a fall or sudden jerk while driving, and track inactivity and alert a designated contact to check in on you.

Cost: Free

Available only for Android devices

Learn more: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.seniorsafety&hl=en_US&gl=US

My Fitness Pal

An incredibly powerful app for users of all ages, My Fitness Pal is one of the best apps for seniors to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Track the food you eat, the steps you take, and what forms of exercise you’ve done during the day. You can also connect with a community of users and share tips and techniques as you support each other with fitness and health goals.

Cost: Free version; Premium version available with additional features for $9.95 per month or $49.99 per year

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/myfitnesspal/id341232718

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myfitnesspal.android&hl=en_US&gl=US

Pocket Yoga

Uplevel your exercise routines with the help of the Pocket Yoga app. Featuring 27 yoga sessions of varying degrees of difficulty, choose the flow that’s best for you and work through the sessions at your own pace. The app is particularly helpful for first-time yogis, too—it shows images of each pose so you can understand each move.

Cost: $2.99

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pocket-yoga/id347400507

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rainfrog.yoga&hl=en_US&gl=US

Headspace

The benefits of mindfulness and meditation are vast. From reducing stress levels and controlling anxiety to promoting emotional health and even improving memory loss, meditation is certainly a great addition to your daily routines. Headspace is a mindfulness app that offers guided meditation, sleep meditation, and breathing exercises.

Cost: Free version; Premium version available for $12.99 per month or $69.99 per year

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/headspace-mindful-meditation/id493145008

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.getsomeheadspace.android&hl=en_US&gl=US

Life360

A comprehensive tracking and transportation app, Life360 allows a user to share their location with a network of family, friends, or caregivers. The app is easily programmed to send alerts when it detects movement to or from certain places. It also provides access to a 24/7 emergency response team.

Cost: Free version available; Premium version offers additional features, such as 30 days of location history, battery monitoring, and priority customer support

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/life360-find-family-friends/id384830320

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.life360.android.safetymapd&hl=en_US&gl=US

Uber

One of the most popular ride-sharing apps available, Uber is simple, secure, and easy to use. If you live in a mid- to large-sized city, Uber is a great app to have on hand if you’re not able to drive. By detecting your location through your phone’s GPS, Uber allows you to easily schedule pickup and dropoff to any location.

Cost: Free to download. The cost of each ride varies.

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/uber-request-a-ride/id368677368

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubercab&hl=en_US&gl=US

Lyft

Lyft is another great choice for ride-sharing and features many of the exact same features as Uber. Depending on your location, check to see what’s more readily available—some cities have more Lyft drivers than Uber drivers and vice versa.

Cost: Free to download. The cost of each ride varies.

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lyft/id529379082

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.lyft.android&hl=en_US&gl=US

Sky Guide

This fun app uses augmented reality to help you observe and study the stars, constellations, and planets. With a built-in compass and a database of 2.5 million stars, Sky Guide is simple to use: just hold your phone up to the sky and experience space.

Cost: $2.99

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sky-guide/id576588894

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.alcyone.livestarchartpro&hl=en_US&gl=US

WordBrain

Keep your brain sharp with WordBrain, a fun word puzzle game for all ages. Connect the tiles and transform letters into words. Playing interactive games like this not only keeps you busy but can also have a positive impact on preventing degenerative diseases, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Cost: Free with in-app purchases to remove ads and earn bonus points

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wordbrain-classic-word-puzzle/id708600202

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.maginteractive.wordbrain&hl=en_US&gl=US

Old Time Radio 24

A fantastic app for time-traveling, download Old Time Radio 24 to listen to all the great radio mysteries and comedies from yesteryear. With over 15,000 episodes available, this is a fun way to sit back and relax. The app features several classics, including Amos and Andy, Abbott and Costello, Jack Benny, and many more. Old Time Radio is also a great iPad app for seniors.

Cost: Free

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/otr-player/id1493221239

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oldtimeradio&hl=en_US&gl=US

Ibotta

This free app lets you earn cashback on your purchases, both in-store and online. Use the app at online retailers, such as Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Walgreens, Lowe’s, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and so many more major retailers. Ibotta isn’t an average coupon app—instead, you’ll earn real cashback whenever you go shopping.

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ibotta-save-earn-cash-back/id559887125

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ibotta.android&hl=en_US&gl=US

Groupon

Another great way to save, Groupon offers coupons from local businesses with up to 70% savings discounts. Choose from restaurants, retail boutiques, hair salons, exercise studies, hotels, and many more businesses. Groupon will also send you alerts when new promo codes are available for nearby store discounts. If you’re trying to save money when you can in your golden years, Groupon is a great option.

Cost: The app is free to download with in-app purchases

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/groupon/id352683833

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.groupon&hl=en_US&gl=US

Mint

If you’re retired and trying to stay mindful of your budget, try Mint. One of the most popular finance apps, Mint allows you to monitor all of your bills, bank accounts, credit cards, and investments through one dashboard. Mint also helps users budget for monthly and weekly expenses.

Cost: Free

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mint-budget-planner-tracker/id300238550

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mint&hl=en_US&gl=US

Everdays

We’ll give ourselves a subtle callout for our app as one of the best apps for seniors. If you’re a senior looking for the best retirement planning app, look no further: Everdays makes it simple to plan everything from your lifestyle and budget, to health and care, to your end-of-life preferences and final wishes. Our comprehensive, easy-to-use app makes it simple to create a plan for the important decisions that will impact your family and your future

Cost: Free with in-app purchases

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/everdays-retirement-planning/id1123339295

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.izimobile.requiem&hl=en_US&gl=US

AARP NOW

AARP is one of the most trusted and helpful resources of information for senior-centric news, recipes, health advice, and much more. To use the app fully, you’ll need an AARP membership, available for $16 per year.

Cost: Free but best experienced with an AARP membership

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aarp-now/id394286729

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aarp.app&hl=en_US&gl=US

Libby

If you have a local library card and love to read, you’ll definitely want to download Libby. With this app, you can browse your library’s digital catalog of books—from classics to NYT best-sellers—and borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Then, you can read or listen directly on your phone. Or you can connect Libby with your Kindle device, if you have one. As one of the best apps for seniors, this app allows you almost complete access to your local library from the comfort of your home.

Cost: Free

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/libby-by-overdrive/id1076402606

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.overdrive.mobile.android.libby&hl=en_US&gl=US

MoodFit

Anyone—regardless of age—can benefit from maintaining their mental health. Moodfit is a comprehensive app that provides a set of tools to maintain healthy emotional-mental wellbeing—and helps you gain a better picture of your mood. With Moodfit, you can set personalized goals, such as adding self-care and gratitude to your routines. Plus, with the help of Moodfit, you can better understand the relationship between your mood and lifestyle factors, such as sleep, exercise, and diet.

Cost: Free with in-app purchases to upgrade if interested

Download iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/moodfit/id1054458809

Download Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.robleridge.Moodfit&hl=en_US&gl=US

Our content is created for educational purposes only. This material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or investment advice. Everdays encourages individuals to seek advice from their own investment or tax advisor or legal counsel.