The Best Apps for Older Adults in 2025

Author

TechKnowledgy

For more information about the author, click to view their website: TechKnowledgy

Posted on

Jan 10, 2025

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

share-this
Share This

There are mobile apps for everything. Want to video chat with your grandkids? Find a dinner recipe? Play games with friends? Listen to music? The above (and more) can be done with smartphone apps – often for free.

Smartphone applications can educate, entertain, and even make life easier. They enable you to get the most out of the computer in your pocket: your smartphone. But with well over two million applications available for mobile today, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

We created a list of our picks for the best apps for seniors that are easy to use and can improve your life. It’s worth noting, too, that many of these apps are great for anybody, regardless of age. Maybe you’ll find your new favorite app on this list!

Make the Most of Your Apps With a Top Cell Phone Plan

While you can typically use apps on your mobile phone with WiFi, you can get the most out of your apps with a cell phone plan that offers data on the go. No phone plans or carriers are identical, so it’s vital to consider your budget and needs before deciding. If you’re unsure where to start, check out some of the top-rated wireless providers we have reviewed.

SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.5 of 5
See Pricing Links to Lively
866-461-7793
SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.5 of 5
See Pricing Links to AT&T
855-929-4241
SeniorLiving.org Rating:
4.6 of 5
See Pricing Links to Consumer Cellular
855-643-4847

Medisafe – Manage Your Medications

Available for iPhone and Android
Cost: Free

Forgetting to take prescriptions and get refills on time are significant problems for older adults who may take multiple medications at different times of the day. One in five adverse drug events occur due to incorrect dosage or usage of prescriptions.2

Medisafe helps you manage your medications and get reminders. Simply input your prescriptions and timings, and Medisafe will create a visual schedule complete with images of each pill and a list of potentially harmful interactions. It will then give you reminders throughout the day when it’s time to take a medication, let you know if a prescription is running low, and even alert a friend or family member of a missed dose.

Medisafe app

Medisafe app

Google Maps – Remember Where You Parked

Available for iPhone and Android
Cost: Free

Everyone has experienced a time when you get ready to leave somewhere and realize you have no idea where you parked. If you find this happening frequently, your phone can help you out in the Google Maps or Apple Maps app.

In Google Maps, click on the blue dot showing your location, then click “Set as parking location” from the menu that pops up, and it’ll save it. Then, when you are ready to navigate back to your car, click the blue “Directions” icon and choose “Saved parking.” This app is also great for getting directions when you’re going somewhere new or get lost while driving.

Google Maps app

Google Maps app

Magnifying Glass + Flashlight – Read the Menu in a Dim Restaurant

Available for iPhone and Android
Cost: Free

One in three people 65 and older have some form of eye disease,3 making it difficult to read small print. If you’ve ever had trouble reading a restaurant menu, forms at the doctor’s office, or labels on food packaging, a magnifying app could be a handy tool.

This magnifying app uses your phone’s camera to zoom in on whatever you point it at, and you can quickly turn on the light to illuminate what you need to read. With a touch of the screen, you can also “freeze” what you are looking at, so you don’t have to point it in the same spot the entire time you’re reading.

Magnifying Glass + Flashlight app

Magnifying Glass + Flashlight app

Facebook Messenger – Connect with Friends and Family

Available for iPhone and Android
Cost: Free

If you are among the 23.7 percent of adults over 544 with a Facebook account, you’ve already done most of the work needed to use Facebook Messenger. Messenger is a standalone app that connects people through their Facebook profiles.

You can video chat with one person or a group chat, plus send text messages and photos. There are even fun features to try out while on a video call. You can make your grandchildren giggle by putting a digital frog on your head or even turning into a dragon!
Facebook Messenger app

Facebook Messenger app

Personal Capital – Take Charge of Retirement Planning

Available for iPhone and Android
Cost: Free

While plenty of tools allow you to track finances, personal capital stands out regarding retirement planning. If financial planning seems daunting, check out this app for its straightforward visuals and projections. Use it to assess your current retirement situation and even play out other scenarios to decide whether you need to change your long-term plans.

Personal Capital app

Personal Capital app

GoodRx – Save Money on Prescriptions

Available for iPhone and Android
Cost: Free

One of the reasons seniors do not take medications as prescribed is that they cost too much. GoodRx helps users compare prescription drug prices at different pharmacies and find usable coupons in the app. The app can also alert you when a particular medication drops in price and let you know when you may be due for a refill. If you use Medisafe to manage your prescriptions, you already have savings help powered by GoodRx and don’t need to download a separate application.

FYI:

For more information on our favorite prescription discount apps similar to GoodRx, head to our best prescription discount cards page.

GoodRx app

GoodRx app

Snapfish – Get Those Photos off Your Phone

Available for iPhone and Android
Cost: Free

We’re all taking more photos than ever, but hardly any photos ever leave the digital world. Creating photo books no longer requires a tech-savvy or artistic flair, as you can simply choose your favorite shots, and the app will do the rest. Snapfish makes it easy to order photo books and prints straight from your phone and have them delivered.

Snapfish app

Snapfish app

Audible – Escape Into a Good Book

Available for iPhone and Android
Cost: Free; requires a paid subscription after a free trial

Audiobooks are a great alternative to print for seniors who have vision problems or arthritis that may make holding a book uncomfortable. Alternatively, if you’re hoping to read more but struggle to pay attention, narration could prove useful. They have never been better, featuring excellent narration by voice talent or the authors.

Audible has the largest selection of audiobooks available. It’s free to download, and you’ll pay for a book access subscription. Audible also offers a free trial period, so remember to take advantage of this 30-day freebie!

Audible app

Audible app

LastPass – Never Forget a Password Again

Available for iPhone and Android
Cost: Free

You must create a password to do almost anything on the internet. Creating a unique password each time is critical to avoid being hacked, but who can remember all of them? Many people use the same password for simplicity, leaving them vulnerable to online attacks.

LastPass stores all your passwords securely in one place so you can look them up when needed. It can also autofill passwords into websites you use frequently and create strong passwords. Simply remember one password – the LastPass password.

LastPass app

LastPass app

Words with Friends 2 – Play with Friends and Family Virtually

Available for iPhone and Android
Cost: Free

Video chatting is a great way to connect when you can’t meet face to face, but coordinating time can be challenging. With this app, you can challenge friends and family to a game or get paired with another player. Calling itself a mobile word game, Words with Friends 2 is very similar to Scrabble, so it’s great for passive playing and connecting with friends without a significant time commitment.

Words With Friends 2 app

Words With Friends 2 app

Spotify – Listen to Music and Podcasts

Available for iPhone and Android
Cost: Free; select plans require a paid subscription

Music can help people relax, set the ambiance at a dinner party, return to a bygone era, get pumped for exercise, and so much more. With Spotify, you can listen to specific songs or let the app curate music based on your interests. Users can also create playlists and share them with other users or select from playlists made by Spotify.

Spotify is also the number one app for listening to podcasts. Podcasts continue to grow in popularity, and there is something out there for almost every interest. Use the app to discover new podcasts or manage your favorites. Some premium plans also allow audiobook access, although the selection is lacking compared to Audible.

Spotify app

Spotify app

Other Articles You May Like

Who We Serve

We provide housing for a wide range of individuals, ensuring secure and supportive living environments for those in need. Our goal is to offer comprehensive support, promoting stability, dignity, and community involvement for every person we serve.Displaced Adults We assist people who are experiencing displacement due to life transitions, natural disasters, or economic challenges. By offering secure housing options, we aim to provide stability and emotional support as they adjust to new circumstances in their lives. Our programs include personalized case management to help individuals regain self-sufficiency.Veterans We honor those who have served our country by offering targeted housing assistance for veterans. Our services support their honorable and respectful transition back to civilian life, ensuring they have the resources needed for long-term stability. We collaborate with veteran organizations to provide additional services such as counseling, job training, and access to healthcare.Senior Citizens Our housing options for seniors are designed to support their independence and well-being. We create environments that prioritize safety, comfort, and accessibility tailored to their unique needs. Our communities encourage social interaction, wellness programs, and access to medical services to ensure a high quality of life.(SSI/SSDI) Income Recipients We provide secure housing solutions for individuals receiving SSI/SSDI income. Our goal is to guarantee them stability and a secure living arrangement based on their guaranteed income. We offer budget counseling and community support programs to ensure financial wellness and social inclusion.Families in Need We extend our services to families facing housing challenges. Our family housing programs provide safe and nurturing environments for parents and children. We focus on holistic support, including access to educational resources, childcare services, and community-building activities to empower families towards self-sufficiency.Persons with Disabilities We offer specialized housing options for individuals with disabilities, ensuring accessibility and necessary support services. Our goal is to create inclusive environments that promote independence while ensuring necessary care and accommodations are readily available.Make an Inquiry! If you or someone you know needs housing assistance, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help. Our team is ready to assist with compassionate and personalized support, ensuring every individual has the opportunity for a stable and dignified living environment.

Ona Solutions: Transforming Lives Through Affordable Housing

About Us Welcome to Ona Solutions, where we specialize in providing housing for independent adults and assisting individuals in finding affordable housing options. Our dedicated team is committed to creating safe, supportive, and sustainable living environments that empower individuals to thrive. We operate with a foundation of compassion and a strong sense of community, working tirelessly to ensure everyone has access to a place they can call home. At Ona Solutions, we firmly believe that housing is a fundamental human right and strive to make this belief a reality for all.Mission At Ona Solutions, our mission is to transform lives by offering secure, affordable, and dignified housing solutions for independent adults and those seeking affordable living options. Our goal is to foster a supportive community where individuals can regain stability, independence, and hope. Through our dedicated efforts, we aim to address the housing deficit and ensure that every person we serve has the opportunity to lead a better, more fulfilling life.Vision Our vision at Ona Solutions is a world where affordable housing is accessible to all. We envision a society where everyone has a place to call home, enabling them to lead fulfilling and independent lives. By continuously innovating and advocating for sustainable housing solutions, we aspire to be a leader in creating lasting change and brighter futures for individuals and communities alike.Why Choose Ona Solutions?Commitment to Community: We prioritize creating a sense of belonging by fostering supportive and inclusive housing environments.Affordability: We are dedicated to providing cost-effective housing solutions to help individuals maintain financial stability.Sustainability: Our focus on sustainable practices ensures long-term housing security and positive environmental impact.Empowerment: We empower residents by offering resources and support systems that encourage personal growth and independence.Get Involved At Ona Solutions, we believe positive change happens when communities come together. Whether you are seeking affordable housing or want to support our mission, we welcome you to join our efforts in making housing accessible for all. Together, we can create a brighter future where everyone has a place to call home.

When Grief Doesn't Ease

Sometimes it feels as if your bereavement will never end. You feel as if youd give anything to have the pain go away; to have the long lonely hours between nightfall and dawn pass without heartache. You are not the only grieving person who has longed for some measure of relief.In the novel, My Sisters Keeper, author Jodi Picoult wrote, There should be a statute of limitations on grief. A rule book that says it is all right to wake up crying, but only for a month. That after 42 days you will no longer turn with your heart racing, certain you have heard her call out your name.No such rule book exists. Grief counselors and therapists tell us that the length of time it takes anyone to grieve the loss of someone they held dear to them is dependent on the situation, how attached you were to the deceased, how they died, your age and gender. So many variables exist and theres absolutely no way to predict how long it will take for you to adapt to your loss.The Difference Between Normal and Complicated GriefResearch findings have led experts to come up with many differing categories of grief experience ranging from normal to complicated. Normal (or uncomplicated) grief has no timeline and encompasses a range of feelings and behaviors common after loss such as bodily distress, guilt, hostility, preoccupation with the image of the deceased, and the inability to function as one had before the loss. All are normal and present us with profound, and seemingly endless, challenges. Yet, Katherine Walsh says, Over the course of time, with average social supportmost individuals will gradually experience a diminishment of these feelings, behaviors, and sensations. So, how can you know if your bereavement is no longer within the range of normal? Ms. Walsh goes on to say, While there is no definitive time period by which this happens, if an individual or members of a family continue to experience distress intensely or for a prolonged periodor even unexpectedly years after a lossthey may benefit from treatment for complicated grief.A Useful Model for Assessment: Wordens Four Tasks of MourningThere are certain tasks that, when achieved during your bereavement, can successfully allow you to emerge on the other side of loss as a better, stronger, and more resilient individual. James Worden proposed these four tasks: To accept the reality of the loss To process the pain of grief To adjust to a world without the deceased To find an enduring connection with the deceased in the midst of embarking on a new life Instead of focusing on your bodily discomforts, feelings, and common behaviors, this model allows you to better see where you may be stuck or stalled in the adaptive process. Fortunately, Worden also gives us a list of indicators advising that "any one of these clues in and of itself may not be sufficient" for a diagnosis of complicated grief. "However," he continues, "any of theseshould be taken seriously, and the diagnosis of complicated grief should be considered when they appear."12 Clues... 12 InsightsWhile grief educators and theorists tell us that a diagnosis of complicated grief should not even be attempted until after the first anniversary of the death, if any one of the following symptomatic clues exists for longer than six months, you may want to consider grief counseling or grief therapy: You cannot speak of the deceased without experiencing intense and fresh grief long after the loss. A relatively minor event triggers an intense grief reaction. Your conversations with others are littered with references to loss. In other words, loss is an ever-present motif in your world view. You have issues related to your loved one's possessions. Keeping everything the same as before their death could indicate trouble just as tossing out everything right away can also be a clue to disordered mourning. (You also need to factor in your cultural and religious background) You have developed physical symptoms similar to those of the deceased before their death. Sometimes these symptoms recur annually, on the anniversary of the death, or on holidays. An increased susceptibility to illness or the development of a chronic physical complaint can also be an indicator. If you have made radical changes to your lifestyle, or excluded friends, family members, or even activities associated with the deceased, it may indicate unresolved grief. A long history of depression, often marked by guilt or low self-esteem, can reveal disordered mourning. The opposite is also true: a person experiencing a false sense of happiness or elation could be experiencing unresolved grief. A compulsion to imitate the deceased, in personality or behavior, can be a sign of complicated mourning. Having self-destructive impulses or exhibiting self-destructive behaviors can be significant. These can range from substance abuse, engaging in self-harm, developing eating disorders and suicidal tendencies. A sense of unexplained sadness occurring at a certain time each year (holidays, anniversaries, or birthdays) can also be a clue to unresolved grief. Developing a strong fear about dying, especially when it relates to the illness that took the life of your loved one, is an important clue. If you have avoided visiting your loved one's grave or if you are still unwilling to discuss the circumstances of their death, this could indicate complications in your bereavement. There are many types of complicated grief; it can be delayed, masked, exaggerated, or chronic. Self-diagnosis is without purpose. A year after the death, if you feel your grief symptoms worsening, we advise that you seek a referral from your family physician for professional grief counseling or therapy.Sources: Walsh, Katherine, Grief and Loss: Theories and Skills for the Helping Professions, 2nd Edition, 2012 Worden, James, Grief Counseling & Grief Therapy: A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner, 4th Edition, 2009

Local Services By This Author

TechKnowledgy Team

Life Long Learning , , ,

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced world of technology?It can be frustrating to see how quickly devices and apps evolve, leaving you struggling to keep up. This frustration often leads to feeling disconnected and less confident in your ability to navigate the digital world. But it doesnt have to be this way. TechKnowledgy Team offers personalized tech education tailored to your pace, helping you confidently connect with loved ones and learn from the comfort of your home. Say goodbye to tech frustration and hello to a more connected and empowered life. Erick Montano has an extensive background in the creative industry, having worked in the visual effects sector from 2010 to 2014. His expertise contributed to blockbuster films such as The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, Pompeii, and Anchorman 2, among others. Following his time in Los Angeles, Erick began applying his technical skills to help neighbors, family, and friends with various tech-related issues. His passion for technology and problem-solving naturally evolved into providing support and education for those around him.In 2014, Erick transitioned into the non-profit sector in Naples, FL, where he continues to contribute to various organizations. His work in non-profits has deepened his understanding of community needs, particularly recognizing the challenges seniors face with rapidly changing technology. This experience, coupled with his creative background, has shaped Ericks approach to tech educationfocusing on empathy, accessibility, and empowerment. Today, as the founder of TechKnowledgy Team, Erick is dedicated to helping seniors and others gain confidence in using technology, bridging the digital divide one lesson at a time.

TechKnowledgy Team

Continuing Education , , ,

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced world of technology?It can be frustrating to see how quickly devices and apps evolve, leaving you struggling to keep up. This frustration often leads to feeling disconnected and less confident in your ability to navigate the digital world. But it doesnt have to be this way. TechKnowledgy Team offers personalized tech education tailored to your pace, helping you confidently connect with loved ones and learn from the comfort of your home. Say goodbye to tech frustration and hello to a more connected and empowered life. Erick Montano has an extensive background in the creative industry, having worked in the visual effects sector from 2010 to 2014. His expertise contributed to blockbuster films such as The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, Pompeii, and Anchorman 2, among others. Following his time in Los Angeles, Erick began applying his technical skills to help neighbors, family, and friends with various tech-related issues. His passion for technology and problem-solving naturally evolved into providing support and education for those around him.In 2014, Erick transitioned into the non-profit sector in Naples, FL, where he continues to contribute to various organizations. His work in non-profits has deepened his understanding of community needs, particularly recognizing the challenges seniors face with rapidly changing technology. This experience, coupled with his creative background, has shaped Ericks approach to tech educationfocusing on empathy, accessibility, and empowerment. Today, as the founder of TechKnowledgy Team, Erick is dedicated to helping seniors and others gain confidence in using technology, bridging the digital divide one lesson at a time.

TechKnowledgy Team

Computer Classes , , ,

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced world of technology?It can be frustrating to see how quickly devices and apps evolve, leaving you struggling to keep up. This frustration often leads to feeling disconnected and less confident in your ability to navigate the digital world. But it doesnt have to be this way. TechKnowledgy Team offers personalized tech education tailored to your pace, helping you confidently connect with loved ones and learn from the comfort of your home. Say goodbye to tech frustration and hello to a more connected and empowered life. Erick Montano has an extensive background in the creative industry, having worked in the visual effects sector from 2010 to 2014. His expertise contributed to blockbuster films such as The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, Pompeii, and Anchorman 2, among others. Following his time in Los Angeles, Erick began applying his technical skills to help neighbors, family, and friends with various tech-related issues. His passion for technology and problem-solving naturally evolved into providing support and education for those around him.In 2014, Erick transitioned into the non-profit sector in Naples, FL, where he continues to contribute to various organizations. His work in non-profits has deepened his understanding of community needs, particularly recognizing the challenges seniors face with rapidly changing technology. This experience, coupled with his creative background, has shaped Ericks approach to tech educationfocusing on empathy, accessibility, and empowerment. Today, as the founder of TechKnowledgy Team, Erick is dedicated to helping seniors and others gain confidence in using technology, bridging the digital divide one lesson at a time.