You may think that most seniors don’t know anything about technology. But smartphones have been around for two decades now, meaning that many senior citizens over 65 are pretty familiar with smartphones and apps. In fact, over 60 percent of senior adults own a smartphone, which can help older adults in so many ways. From video chatting with grandkids or playing games with friends across the country, apps are a great way to stay engaged and keep the brain working. Phone applications entertain, educate, and make life easier for everyone. Here are some of the best apps that experts recommend for seniors in 2021.

Medisafe – Manage Your Medications: For senior citizens who take multiple prescriptions throughout the day, forgetting to take medication or order refills on time are significant issues. Statistics tell us that 50 percent of individuals fail to take their medicine as directed by their physician. Medisafe is an app that manages medications and sends alerts when it is time to take medicine. It also reminds you when a prescription is running low and needs to be refilled. One helpful feature – if the user misses taking their medication, the app alerts a designated friend or family member. This is a free app, available for iPhone or Android.
Magnifying Glass and Flashlight: One-third of those 65 and older have some eye disease, making it challenging to read the small print. If you struggle to read labels when shopping, decide what you want off a restaurant menu, or fill out forms, a magnifying app on your smartphone could be just what you need. The magnifying app utilizes your phone’s camera to zoom in on – and illuminate if necessary – whatever you point it at. You can also “freeze” what you are looking at, so you don’t have to hold your phone over the spot the entire time you are reading. This app is free and is available for iPhone and Android.
Facebook Messenger: 40 percent of senior citizens have a Facebook account, and Messenger works in tandem with that account. Messenger allows people to connect through chats, messages, and photos. Their video chat is perfect for talking with grandkids, as it will enable you to turn yourself into a cute cartoon animal while speaking with them. Facebook Messenger is free and available for iPhone or Android.
Google Maps: You don’t have to be 65+ to have a “senior moment” when it comes to finding your car in a large parking lot. Everyone has forgotten which lane they left their car in, but the popular Google maps give you a handy feature that allows you to pinpoint your car’s location. Before you leave your vehicle, click “Set as parking location” from the menu, and Maps will automatically save your location. When you leave the store or restaurant, click “Directions” and choose “Saved Parking,” and your phone will guide you back to your vehicle. Of course, Google maps are also invaluable when traveling someplace unfamiliar or even to keep you on track daily. Google Maps is free and available for iPhone and Android.
GoodRx: The cost of prescription medication can be daunting for someone on a fixed income. GoodRx helps seniors compare prescription drug prices at various nearby pharmacies and locate coupons and discounts available right through the app. You can set alerts to be notified when a medication drops in price. Click here for a list of alternate prescription discount apps. GoodRx is free and available on both iPhone and Android.
Audible: While not a completely free app, Audible is life-changing for many seniors who love reading but can no longer do so comfortably. The magic of reading does not have to be sacrificed in old age. Contemporary audiobooks are of excellent quality and feature professional narration. Audible offers their favorite authors and helps them keep up with their favorite book series. It is free to download, but a subscription is necessary to access books. There is a free 30 day trial period. Audible is a subscription-based app available on both iPhone and Android.
Spotify: Similar to Audible, Spotify allows a senior to continue with a lifelong passion, in this case, music. Music has fantastic benefits for all humans, encouraging relaxation and reducing anxiety. No matter their choice of music, Spotify will play it all day long – either random songs in a specific genre or a curated playlist. Spotify is also the top app for listening to podcasts, so if you are still looking to learn something new every day, Spotify is a must-have app. Spotify is available for iPhone and Android and is free with some paid subscription plans.

If you want to provide a senior loved one with a device to take advantage of these apps, you may want to consider a tablet for the larger screen. You can preload all of the appropriate apps and set up a home screen with shortcut icons, so all they need to do is click on what they want.

Apps can be advantageous to keep your senior loved one engaged in and enjoying life in so many ways. Living at an assisted living facility that prioritizes their overall wellbeing is important as well. If it is time to find your special senior a new home, we invite you to tour A Banyan Residence in the Villages.