Technology has transformed the way we live, communicate, and access information. While younger generations may adapt to these changes with ease, many older adults find themselves navigating unfamiliar digital territory. The good news is that there are numerous applications (apps) designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, making technology more approachable for seniors.
In this article, we'll explore some of the most useful apps that can enhance daily life for older adults, from staying connected with loved ones to managing health and enjoying entertainment. We'll focus on apps that are user-friendly, have large text options, and provide valuable services for seniors in the UK.
Why Use Apps?
Before diving into specific recommendations, let's consider the benefits of using smartphone and tablet applications:
- Convenience: Access services, information, and entertainment from the comfort of your home
- Connection: Stay in touch with family and friends, regardless of distance
- Independence: Manage tasks like shopping, banking, and health monitoring without assistance
- Accessibility: Many apps offer features like voice commands, screen readers, and text magnification
- Entertainment: Access books, films, music, and games to keep the mind active
Communication Apps
Staying connected with family and friends is often cited as the primary reason older adults adopt technology. These apps make it easy to communicate:
WhatsApp is a free messaging app that allows you to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos and videos through your internet connection rather than using your mobile plan's minutes or texts.
Why it's senior-friendly: The interface is straightforward, text can be enlarged, and voice messages provide an alternative to typing. It's also widely used across all age groups, so you're likely to find family members already using it.
Getting started: Download from your device's app store, verify your phone number, and the app will automatically find contacts from your address book who also use WhatsApp.
Skype
One of the original video calling services, Skype allows you to make video and voice calls to other Skype users for free, or to mobile and landline phones for a small fee.
Why it's senior-friendly: It works well on larger screens like tablets and computers, making it easier to see loved ones during video calls. The desktop version has particularly large controls.
Getting started: Create a free Microsoft account, download the app, and search for contacts by their name, Skype name, or email address.
"I live in Scotland, but my grandchildren are in London. Skype has allowed me to watch them grow up even though I can't visit as often as I'd like. Seeing their faces makes all the difference." - Joan, 78
Facebook Messenger
If you're already using Facebook, Messenger allows you to chat, make voice or video calls, and share photos with your Facebook friends.
Why it's senior-friendly: If you're already familiar with Facebook, Messenger is a natural extension. It offers voice-to-text options and large, clear icons.
Getting started: If you have a Facebook account, simply download the Messenger app and log in with your Facebook credentials.
Health and Wellbeing Apps
Managing health becomes increasingly important as we age. These apps can help you stay on top of your wellbeing:
NHS App
The official NHS App allows you to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.
Why it's senior-friendly: It provides secure access to your GP record and offers various services like ordering repeat prescriptions, booking appointments, and viewing test results—all without needing to visit or call your GP practice.
Getting started: Download from your app store and verify your identity using your NHS number and other personal information.
Medisafe
Medisafe is a medication management app that helps you remember when to take your medications and keeps track of your health measurements.
Why it's senior-friendly: It features clear, visual medication reminders, information about drug interactions, and can be set up to alert family members if you miss a dose.
Getting started: Download the app, create an account, and enter your medication details including names, dosages, and when you need to take them.
MyFitnessPal
While often associated with weight loss, MyFitnessPal is also an excellent tool for tracking nutrition and ensuring you're maintaining a balanced diet.
Why it's senior-friendly: The app has a large database of foods, including many UK brands and products, making it easy to track what you eat. It also allows you to set specific nutrient goals that may be important for certain health conditions.
Getting started: Create an account, enter your health information and goals, and start logging your meals.
Practical Daily Living Apps
These apps can help simplify everyday tasks and enhance independence:
Grocery Delivery Apps (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Ocado, etc.)
Most major UK supermarkets have their own apps that allow you to order groceries for home delivery.
Why they're senior-friendly: They save you from carrying heavy shopping bags and allow you to easily reorder previous purchases. Many offer specific delivery time slots for elderly and vulnerable customers.
Getting started: Download your preferred supermarket's app, create an account, and start adding items to your basket. Most allow you to save favourite items and previous orders for easy reordering.
Banking Apps
All major UK banks offer mobile apps that allow you to check balances, transfer money, and pay bills from your smartphone or tablet.
Why they're senior-friendly: They eliminate the need to visit bank branches and provide a clear view of your finances. Many now include features specifically designed for accessibility, such as high-contrast modes and screen reader compatibility.
Getting started: Download your bank's official app from your app store. You'll need your online banking credentials to log in, or you may need to register for online banking first.
What3words
This innovative app has divided the world into 3m x 3m squares, each assigned a unique three-word address, making it easier to find and share precise locations.
Why it's senior-friendly: It's particularly useful if you're in an unfamiliar place and need to share your location with emergency services or family members, or if you need to find a specific meeting point that might not have a conventional address.
Getting started: Download the app and allow it to access your location. You can then see the three-word address for your current location or search for other locations.
Entertainment and Learning Apps
Technology offers endless opportunities for entertainment and continuing education:
BBC Sounds
BBC Sounds gives you access to BBC radio stations, podcasts, and music mixes.
Why it's senior-friendly: It offers a wide variety of content, including many older programmes and genres that appeal to all ages. The interface is clean and straightforward.
Getting started: Download the app and start browsing immediately. You can create a BBC account to save favourites, but it's not required to listen.
Libby
Libby connects with your local library to provide free access to e-books and audiobooks.
Why it's senior-friendly: E-books can be customized with larger text, different fonts, and background colors for easier reading. Audiobooks offer an alternative for those with vision impairments.
Getting started: Download the app, find your local library, and enter your library card number to access their digital collection.
Lumosity
Lumosity offers brain-training games designed to exercise memory, attention, flexibility, speed of processing, and problem-solving.
Why it's senior-friendly: The games are designed to be engaging and progressively challenging, helping to keep your mind active. The app tracks your performance over time so you can see your improvement.
Getting started: Download the app, create an account, and complete the initial assessment to get personalized game recommendations.
Tips for Getting Started with Apps
If you're new to using apps, here are some helpful tips:
- Start with one or two apps that address your most important needs or interests. Once you're comfortable, gradually add more.
- Look for accessibility settings within your device (usually found in the Settings menu) to adjust text size, contrast, and other display features.
- Consider asking a family member or friend to help you set up and learn to use new apps.
- Many libraries and community centers offer technology classes specifically designed for older adults.
- Always download apps from the official app stores (Google Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices) to reduce the risk of downloading malicious software.
- Be cautious about apps that require payment upfront. Many good apps offer free versions or free trials.
Overcoming Common Concerns
Privacy and Security
Many older adults are concerned about privacy and security when using technology, and rightly so. Here are some tips:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each app or service
- Be cautious about sharing personal information
- Check app permissions to ensure they're only accessing necessary information
- Keep your device's operating system and apps updated
- Only download apps from official app stores
Learning Curve
It's normal to feel intimidated by new technology. Remember:
- Take your time and be patient with yourself
- Use online tutorials or ask for help from family members
- Practice regularly to build confidence
- It's okay to make mistakes—that's part of the learning process
Conclusion
Technology, when approached with patience and curiosity, can significantly enhance quality of life for older adults. The apps mentioned in this article represent just a fraction of what's available, but they offer a good starting point for those looking to embrace digital tools.
Remember that becoming comfortable with technology is a journey, not a destination. Start with apps that address your specific interests or needs, and gradually expand your digital horizons as your confidence grows.
At Help for Pensioners, we understand that technology adoption can be challenging, which is why we offer technology training services specifically designed for older adults. Our patient trainers can help you get started with these apps and many others in a supportive, judgment-free environment.