Senior Friendly Smartphone Apps for Daily Use

Written By: Discovery Senior Living
Senior Friendly Smartphone Apps for Daily Use

Currently, about 61% of seniors over the age of 64 own smartphones, according to the Pew Research Center. These older adults have begun using technology avidly over the past ten years, with about 45% saying that they use social media today.

However, even those who aren't on these sites can enjoy smartphone apps on their devices. Read on to learn some senior-friendly technology that older adults download.

Communication Apps

Many seniors enjoy staying in touch with family and friends using social media. These smartphone apps may include:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter/X

However, social media is far from the only way to stay in touch with loved ones. Direct communication is important for maintaining deep connections and talking one-on-one with family members. Some apps that help with this include:

  • FaceTime (for iOS)
  • Skype
  • Zoom
  • Whatsapp
  • Facebook Messenger

All of these technologies make video calling easy. Seniors can see the person they're talking to and engage on a more personal level.

They also let seniors send messages anywhere in the world. If they have friends abroad, they can talk to them using these global applications.

Speechify

Most communication apps make the text adjustable so fonts can be larger and clearer. However, Speechify can make texting easier by reading anything on the phone out loud.

Speechify can actually read any text out loud. This includes:

  • Google Docs
  • PDFs
  • Websites on the smartphone screen
  • eBooks with text-to-speech capabilities

The voices all sound fluid and natural for easy comprehension.

There's a free version of Speechify on both iOS and Android devices. It's also available as a Chrome extension.

Smartphone Apps for Reading in Findlay, OH

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 38% of seniors read for fun each day. Therefore, reading applications are a great option for older adults to download.

This lets them save space by purchasing digital books rather than cumbersome physical ones. It also is less expensive and more organized. Plus, since the font sizes of ebooks are adjustable, seniors don't need to worry about accessing limited large-print books.

Some of the best apps include:

  • The Amazon Kindle app
  • Barnes and Noble's Nook app
  • Kobo Books
  • Scribd

If your loved one doesn't want to buy books, they can also use apps like Libby and OverDrive. Seniors can log onto these apps using their public library cards and choose books to take out. They're digital libraries!

Some seniors also prefer to listen to audiobooks rather than look at text. This also counts as reading since it engages listeners with the same elements of a written story. Cognitive engagement is the same as well.

Audible is an easy-to-navigate app where it's possible to buy audiobooks. Those with subscriptions may gain access to some texts for free and reduced prices, too.

Spotify

Spotify, a music-streaming service, also has tons of audiobooks available to paid subscribers.

But its primary purpose is music streaming, which is an awesome way for seniors to relax and unwind.

Listening to music regularly has several benefits for seniors, including:

  • Relieving stress
  • Boosting mood
  • Improving mental health
  • Increasing motivation to do things
  • Energizing the mind and body
  • Keeping the mind sharp and engaged

Spotify has an extensive music library with hundreds of thousands of songs. Whether your elderly loved one enjoys nostalgic classical music or the fun beats contained in pop and rock songs, they can find anything they're looking for.

Users can also access podcasts about thousands of different topics. Seniors who want to learn new things while being entertained can do so easily.

There's a free version with ads that's pretty much identical to the paid subscription. If your loved one doesn't mind periodic advertisements, this is a great alternative for saving money.

Smartphone Games That Keep Seniors Sharp

Smartphone games can also keep senior cognitive function up. They're a great way to boost critical thinking skills.

Some game-related easy-to-use apps for seniors include puzzles like:

  • Two Dots
  • Candy Crush
  • Wordle
  • Tetris

Other game apps boost reflexes, including fun games like:

  • Geometry Dash
  • Fruit Ninja
  • Shoot the Apple

Your loved one can also enjoy playing digital games against family members who live outside their well-appointed senior living community.

Competitive apps with online play include things like:

  • Scrabble Go
  • Words With Friends 2
  • Monopoly
  • Super Stickman Golf 3

These daily apps for elderly use don't just entertain seniors. They also ensure that older adults can stay connected with loved ones uniquely.

Consider installing Lumosity as well. This online program consists of several games meant to boost memory and processing speed while building problem-solving skills.

Organization-Oriented Smartphone Apps for Seniors

Of course, some of the best tech tools for aging adults are organization-related. Staying organized means seniors can benefit from:

  • Better concentration
  • Longer attention spans
  • Lower stress levels
  • Increased feelings of control
  • Improved sleep
  • Better decision-making skills

Some apps that keep older adults organized include:

  • LastPass, which stores passwords securely in one place
  • Google Calendar, which tracks community events so seniors know what's happening on that calendar day
  • AARP Now, which offers news and information on many topics

Note that if senior living community residents struggle to navigate any apps, compassionate professionals are there to help them figure things out. This ensures they can reap the benefits of communication and organization with minimal stress.

Accessibility-Related Applications

There are also applications made to ensure senior-friendly technology interfaces.

BaldPhone is a comprehensive tool that replaces the phone's interface with something simpler. It's more user-friendly and is designed specifically for senior use. This means larger text and icons as well as easier-to-navigate home screens.

Senior Homescreen does something similar. It allows the user to get access to three applications that they use regularly. If your loved one doesn't use many different apps, this is a great choice for simple smartphone use.

Beyond Tech Tools for Aging Adults

Now that you know some top smartphone apps for easy senior use, it's time to ensure that your loved one can enjoy these applications -- and their golden years -- in a peaceful community.

Taylor Place Assisted Living is committed to offering compassionate care for seniors and a wide range of community events. Contact our team to learn more about what we offer and schedule a tour of our Findlay, Ohio, amenities ASAP.

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