While technology is great for helping with everything from entertainment to health, communication, and organization, it can be hard to know where to start—especially for older adults who grew up in a non-digital world. Plus, some seniors may feel reluctant to use new technology due to concerns around privacy, complexity, or security.
At Provision Living, we like to recommend digital apps so residents can solve everyday problems independently, whether they’re looking to get more organized, monitor their health, stay entertained solo, or keep in touch with family far away. Here are a few apps we recommend that can help seniors add a little ease, independence, and fun to daily life—and often provide peace of mind for caregivers as well.
Best Apps for Seniors
- For senior health and safety: Apps for medication reminders and emergency alerts, as well as free exercise apps for seniors can all encourage healthy habits while promoting personal independence.
- For communication: Digital communication apps can help seniors stay connected in a digital world, facilitate regular check-ins with caregivers, and reduce isolation, ensuring seniors can see the grandkids’ smiling faces, attend family celebrations from afar, do a telehealth appointment, or pop in for a virtual gathering with friends — there are even specialized dating apps for seniors.
- For entertainment: Apps for entertainment can be a helpful resource for seniors to maintain mental engagement and cognitive stimulation, whether that’s through audiobooks and language learning apps, brain apps for seniors, or other tools for digital exploration. Having these at hand can help seniors keep their minds active, learn new skills, and enrich daily life, all virtually.
- For organization: From online banking and grocery delivery to calendar reminders, organizational apps can do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to helping older adults stay on track. Here are a few apps we recommend that can support independence for seniors and peace of mind for caregivers.
7 Senior-Friendly Apps to Download Today
1. Fall Detection feature on Apple Watch: If your phone sensors detect a hard fall, this app taps you on the wrist, sounds an alarm, and displays an alert. It will also contact emergency services if you don’t respond.
2. Medisafe: A trusted medication reminder app that tracks dosages, warns of interactions, and syncs with caregivers’ devices for real-time monitoring.
3. Zoom: A user-friendly video calling app that offers mutual screen sharing and features an intuitive design, easy-to-use controls, and the option for larger captions.
4. WhatsApp: A secure communication app for sharing texts, photos, and video calls that can be used for keeping in touch with friends and loved ones around the world.
5. Audible: A subscription-based library of audiobooks, podcasts, and storytelling programs through Amazon.com. Seniors can enjoy books while multitasking and without straining their eyes looking at a screen.
6. LastPass: Offers secure password storage in a safe virtual hub. Having one safe place for all your passwords eliminates overwhelm by requiring just one master password.
7. Cozi Family Organizer: A shared digital family calendar with to-do lists and reminders for managing family schedules, shopping and to-do lists, messages, and reminders in one shared location.
Tech Safety for Seniors
While all this technology can be exciting, it’s essential to keep best practices in mind for staying safe online. Here are a few tips seniors can use to keep themselves protected while freely exploring the digital universe:
- Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts
- Be careful sharing personal information, especially location and payment data
- Be wary of scams and deals that seem too good to be true
- Consider using two-factor authentication for your accounts and devices
- Never click on links from an unknown source
At Provision Living communities, if trying new technology feels daunting, residents can always ask our team members for assistance with the basics, from setting up their device to staying safe online to navigating the nuances of different apps.
Apps Can’t Replace Human Support
While digital tools and apps for seniors are inarguably valuable in today’s world, there will never be a substitute for human care. And of course, it’s important to be conscious of the risk of too much screen time! That’s why our Provision teams at our communities ensure residents enjoy personalized, compassionate support that is tailored to their individual needs —live and in person!
Looking to learn more about us? Reach out and speak with one of our helpful community advisors, and be sure to download our brochure for a closer look at what we offer. And if you’re ready to see one of our communities in person, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit today! We look forward to meeting you.
