19 Best apps for Active, Social Seniors

Take a moment to step back and think about all the ways that technology has changed your daily life. Wild, isn’t it? Even in the last decade, most of us have adopted new technologies in ways we once thought impossible.

Your smartphone has driven lots of those changes–we now carry these devices everywhere, and they can do so much more than help us talk with friends and family. Smartphone apps have become an incredibly powerful tool for people of all ages. They can be especially useful for older adults who are looking to stay active, healthy, and connected.

Have you Jumped on the App Bandwagon?

Most of us use at least a few apps each day–maybe you’re using Facebook to stay in touch with loved ones, or you’re an Angry Birds aficionado. And if you’ve visited the App Store lately, you know that there’s an app for pretty much anything you can imagine–there are currently more than 350,000 mobile apps available for health alone!

The sheer volume of all those apps can be a little daunting. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best mobile apps for older adults, broken down into different categories. The apps on this list are not all designed specifically for older adults, but they’re very user-friendly and offer functionality we think you’ll love!

Health and Wellness

Doctors are increasingly recommending mobile apps to help you track everything from exercise to blood pressure. If your doctor suggests a specific app, that’s probably the best choice for you. You might also find these apps handy for staying healthy.

ShopWell: This app will be useful when you head to the grocery store because it helps you match foods to all your health needs. Set up a profile to get personalized shopping lists, along with healthier alternatives to your favorite not-so-healthy foods.

Pill Monitor: It can be tough to keep track of medications, but missing a dose can have serious consequences. Pill Monitor lets you schedule reminders by date, day, and time. You can also send your doctor a record of all the medications you’ve taken. Another app, PillBoxie, is a great alternative if your phone isn’t always connected

to the internet–it will work even if your phone is in Do Not Disturb or Sleep mode.

iBP: This app is one of the easiest ways to monitor your blood pressure electronically. You simply take your blood pressure and enter the reading into the app. You can make your own graphs and other displays to help you see when your readings are high. Unlike some other blood pressure trackers, iBP can be used by multiple people in your home.

Hobbies and Interests

Many of us have missed sharing our favorite hobbies with our friends. While an app won’t replace in-person activities, they can give you a way to connect with a wider circle of people who share the same interests, or try something new from the comfort of your own home.

Old Time Radio 24: Step back in time with this music app, which offers music from the 1920’s through the 1970’s, all organized into 35 different stations. Reminisce about your younger years, or take a spin on the “dance floor” in your kitchen” with Old Time Radio 24.

Pocket Yoga: Yoga is ideal for maintaining and improving your strength, balance, and flexibility. But getting to a yoga studio isn’t always possible. Pocket Yoga offers hundreds of yoga classes and workouts taught by certified instructors. You can practice in your own home, in the backyard with the grandkids, or even at your local park.

GrowIt: There are plenty of gardening apps to choose from, but GrowIt! made our list because it’s built around interaction. The app helps you choose the plants that work well in your area by connecting you with nearby amature gardeners. You’ll see photos of plans from your neighbors, and see what they’ve got growing in their

gardens. You’ll find a community of gardeners who are eager to learn and grow together.

Weather Channel: Are you a weather watcher? You’ll enjoy the detailed forecasting, videos, and more with this weather app. You’ll stay informed on all the weather happenings and you’ll never be caught in the rain without an umbrella.

Silver Singles: For the single guy or gal over 50, the Silver Single app might be just what you need to find that special someone. Like any online dating app, you add a profile and search those of other singles that are looking for love.

Staying Connected

Relationships are so vital to our happiness and well-being. The right apps can help you maintain your relationships and stay connected with your world.

Facebook and Facebook Messenger: This is probably the #1 app for staying connected with your loved ones. On the Facebook app, you can browse everyone’s updates to see what’s happening with the grandkids or old classmates, or you can use the Facebook Messenger app to have conversations .

CBC Listen: Staying up to date on the news helps us stay connected with the world. The CBC Listen app gives you access to all of the national radio station’s programming, including podcasts and music.

Tuktu: We’d be remiss not to include Tuktu on this list! Tuktu helps you connect with people in your neighborhood for support and companionship. Enjoy a safe ride to the grocery store, have a friendly face, take your dog for a stroll, or get help setting up your new smart television. A Tuktu can even help you download and set up these other apps!

Games and Entertainment

We mentioned Angry Birds earlier, which you may already have on your phone alongside other gaming favorites like Candy Crush. Consider adding some of these other games to your repertoire.

• Fun Bridge: Bridge players, rejoice! When you can’t meet up with friends to play Bridge in person, you can play tournaments online through Fun Bridge. The app also has tutorials to help you learn the rules of the game, so it’s a great option for people who may want to pick up the game as a new hobby.
• Words with Friends: If you’re a fan of Scrabble, then Words with Friends is definitely for you! This game is exactly like your favorite classic board game, and you can play against friends and family. The game also offers a chat feature, so you can interact with your opponents as you play. Isn’t that great!
• Elevate: Designed by neuroscientists, Elevate is a game that helps to train your brain. The app includes more than 35 games that help you maintain or improve your reading, writing, speaking, memory, and math skills – and help maintain cognitive skills as we age.
• Dynseo: Like Elevate, Dynseo is a brain-training program that uses engaging memory, logic, and rehabilitation games. It’s also designed specifically for older adults, with two different options. Stim’Art Clint is dedicated to independent seniors, while Stim’Art Scarlett is ideal for people with cognitive challenges. You can play alone, or connect with others.

• Other Handy Apps

All of these apps can help you get out of a pinch.

• Magnifying Glass & Flashlight: This app includes the tools you need to see better wherever you go. Use the magnifying glass to enlarge small print on menus or other printed materials, or shine a light on dark corners with the flashlight feature.

Find My iPhone: We all misplace important things from time to time. And while Find My iPhone can’t keep track of your keys, it will show you the location of your iPhone, iPad, or Apple laptop. Keep in mind that you have to set up Find My iPhone for it to work. A Tuktu can help you with this!

Technology has the power to help us all stay healthy, and connected. Mobile apps are a particularly useful tool for helping you lead an independent, active life. If you’d like help installing mobile apps (including ours) or setting up other technology, we’re here to help!  Your first appointment with a Tuktu is complimentary.