Why Every Smart Senior Loves to Download these 7 Free Smartphone Apps for Android and Apple

December 21, 2021

Let’s face it, we spend a lot of time on our phones. Some studies say we spend more than five hours on our phones each day! What are we doing during that time? Well, for most of us it appears we spend the majority of that time using apps. Facebook, Whatsapp, Skype, Amazon – there are so many apps available that we don’t have the space to list them all. 


There are currently two million apps available on the Apple App Store and three million available on Google Play. And, while most apps we use are free, paid apps generate almost one trillion dollars in revenue!


So, the question is, what apps do we need? And, with all the websites out there, do we even need an app? 


“A report on smartphone use by Pew Research published on Thursday says the number of people 65 and older who have a smartphone has increased from 53% to 61% in the past two years. The number is even higher in people 65 to 74 at 71%.” CNET


Should You Use a Smartphone App or a Website?

The answer to this question is another question: What do you want to do today?


Often you want to do something on your phone, and you click on an app icon. Et voilá! Music starts or a flashlight turns on, or your calorie intake for the day appears. These small functions make our life better. Honestly, this is the real purpose of an app. Sometimes you are just looking for information and open up your web browser and Google the latest movies


The fundamental difference between an app and a website is that the app is downloaded onto your phone, and the website is floating about on the internet. “Floating about” is not the technical term for how websites work, by the way. But wait, there are more interesting facts to know. Here are a few essential differences between an app on your phone and a website that you can visit via the browser on your phone.


  • Apps and Websites collect your data, which means they are giving you personalized results.
  • Many apps work offline, so you are not connected to the internet. Websites don’t.
  • Apps can work faster than a website in delivering information
  • You can send information more efficiently and specifically over an app than a website.

How Do I Find the Best Smartphone App? What Apps are Other People Using?


We already mentioned that there are literally millions of apps available. Finding the right one for you should be easy enough. Right? The average person probably has forty apps on their phone, BUT, many of these come with our phones and are essential for basic functionality. We use a calendar, calculator, internet, camera, and similar apps without thinking.


Special apps that improve our lives include health, entertainment, and communication-related apps. Check your phone. How many apps do you have? Here are some of the most downloaded apps in the world:


  • YouTube (downloaded more than ten billion times!)
  • Gmail (and others downloaded more than five billion times)
  • Facebook
  • WhatsApp 
  • TikTok (and others downloaded more than one billion times)
  • Instagram
  • Skype
  • Snapchat
  • CandyCrush
  • Samsung Health


Depending on whether you have an Apple or an Android smartphone, and depending on your interests, you probably have some that are not on this list. You probably also don’t have TikTok installed, yet. That’s fine. You might be more interested in writing, exercise, or cooking than posting videos. You may already have Alexa or Siri. Apps are all about personalization and need!


Most Popular Smartphone Apps by category


  • Heath & Fitness: Home Workout
  • Education: Google Classroom
  • Travel: Uber
  • Dating: Tinder (Did we really just include that?!)
  • Food & Drink: DoorDash
  • Shopping: Amazon
  • Music & Audio: Spotify
  • Entertainment: Netflix
  • Communication: Netflix and Zoom


Source: https://www.businessofapps.com/data/most-popular-apps

What Free Smartphone Apps Make Life Better for Seniors?


Whether you’re searching for something on Google, watching the news, or shopping, the internet is an integral part of our everyday life. For seniors to benefit and participate in our new digital society, it takes more than the ability to send a message over Facebook Messenger. So, what are some of the best apps for seniors?


Mobility, medical needs, diet, loneliness, hearing, vision, and memory – all can become urgent problems as we get older. Regardless of age, some of life’s everyday tasks can be made easier by using an app on our phones. Every shopper appreciates the convenience of shopping from home, right? 


“A smartphone lets you access the Internet, video chat with loved ones, watch movies and TV shows, stream music, download mobile apps, and so much more. Many mobile apps even make life easier for seniors.” Senior Living 


Many apps can improve your quality of life. Here are some of our favorites.


AARP Now - A good reason to renew or start your subscription.

One of the best apps for seniors is. AARP is a trustworthy source for senior-focused news, recipes, reviews, and membership information. To take full advantage of this app, you’ll need an AARP membership. The app runs an exciting rewards program that earns you points for taking quizzes and watching educational videos even without a membership.


Google | Apple

Amazon Kindle - Reading keeps our mind supple.

Kindle gives you access to unlimited books right from your phone, computer, or iPad. You do not need the Kindle device, just the app. Apple has an alternative app. AppleBooks offers digital books and audiobooks for your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch.  Start today reading a book - tomorrow you might even enroll for an online course - there are so many free options!


Google | Apple

WebMD Symptom Checker App - Your doctor in your pocket.

When you are sick, searching the internet is often our spontaneous action. It can’t replace the medical opinion of a doctor, however. The WebMD Symptom Checker App is still a valuable app to have installed on any senior’s phone. This is a free health-related app that allows the person to search their symptoms to find what may be ailing them. Don’t wait until you need a doctor, though! Stay fit, and be aware of what you are eating. Cooking has a positive impact on our physical and mental health and can help us avoid too many visits to our doctor.


Google | Apple

Words With Friends - The world’s favorite phone game.

One of the more well-known gaming and social apps for seniors. The Words With Friends app allows you to play a quick word game online with people anywhere in the world. The game itself is similar to Scrabble. Each player uses their phone to take a turn building a word on the board. There’s even a feature to send messages to keep the game social, an essential aspect of everybody’s life.


Google | Apple

Lumosity - Like jogging for your brain.

The app features games covering all aspects of thinking. After taking an initial baseline test, the app gears fun and entertaining games toward your specific abilities and challenges. You can monitor your progress, too. Everyone likes challenging themselves; the tracking can help see how much you have improved.


Google | Apple

Mint - This app is free, but you will need money for it to keep track of.

Mint is an excellent app for managing your money. You can also add almost any credit card or bank account to your portfolio. The Mint app will keep track of it. You can set reminders and pay bills too. Most importantly, you can set up a budget explicitly tailored to you. This last feature is our favorite!


Google | Apple

Google Maps - Remember where you are going and where you are.

Probably a perfect app for seniors with dementia. An exercise app is a perfect solution for exercising from home, but what about when you are just out for a walk? Everyone has experienced that scary moment when you get ready to leave, forget where you are, or how far away your destination is. Your phone can help you out!


Google | Apple

Spoiler Alert: You Already have the Best Safety App for Seniors Living Alone

Regardless of if you are living alone or just spending time alone, our need for communication is probably one of our instinctive needs. Being able to connect with someone keeps us safe.


Whether you are looking to download the best apps for seniors living alone or install the best safety apps for seniors, you will find many results on both Google Play and the Apple Store. Think about it, though. If you want to say hello to a friend, or if you need to contact someone in the event of an emergency, the best app you have is the one where you can contact someone with the push of a single button. Your speed dial.

What Apps Would You Add to our List?


We’d love to know some of your favorite apps. Did we leave any off? Feel free to subscribe to our newsletter, where we send weekly emails with helpful and fun articles. Feel free to share this article with your friends and get back to living your best life!


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