Helpful mobile apps for older people

An ‘app’, short for application, is a software program that you install on your mobile phone or tablet.

You may already be familiar with mobile apps if you use Facebook, Instagram, or mobile banking on your smartphone.

These apps offer a range of useful features and are convenient and easy to use.

Please note: LiveUp is not associated with any of the apps in this list.

Healthy ageing and apps

Healthy ageing involves making choices that promote your independence as you get older.

These health and lifestyle choices are within your control and include:

• Staying physically active
• Being socially connected
• Using assistive products

There are many apps available that can help you take control of your health and maintain your independence. Below are some apps that could be helpful.

Be sure to check with a healthcare professional before starting any new health or exercise routine.

Apps for accessibility

1. The national relay service app

The National Relay Service is an Australian Government initiative that allows people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech impairment to make and receive phone calls.

With this app you can make calls using the following options:

• NRS Chat – if you want to type and read your conversation
• Voice Relay – if you find speaking on the phone difficult
• NRS Captions – if you can speak but can’t hear clearly
• Video Relay – if you use Auslan

The National Relay Service app is free. So, any calls you make while using the app are free. However, the app requires an internet connection.

How much you are charged for the data you use with this app will depend on the plan you have with your mobile service provider.

Find out more about the National Relay Service app.

Find the app on the Apple Store or Google Play.

2. BIG Phone for Seniors

BIG Phone for Seniors makes it easier to use the basic functions of your phone if you have a vision impairment. It makes your phone layout simpler, enlarges text, and colour-codes icons to help you find what you need easily.

This app also features extended support for talkback screen readers. This assists people who are legally blind to use their phone with confidence.

Find the app on Google Play.

Medical apps for older adults

1. The healthdirect app

The healthdirect app can help you find a local health service and search for trusted health information.

You can connect the healthdirect app to your My Health Record to see your immunisations, pathology reports, and Medicare items.

Find the app on the Apple Store or Google Play.

2. Manage Medicine

Manage Medicine allows you to create a list of your current medications and schedule reminders to take them. It also lets you:

• Scan or search for medication
• Store and share your health information
• Learn about your medicines
• Search a large library of information

For more help with managing medications, consider if an automatic tablet timer or medications organiser is right for you.

Find the app on the Apple Store or Google Play.

Health apps for older people

1. Waterllama & Daily Water Tracker Reminder

Waterllama (for Apple users) and Water Reminder (for Android users) are apps that can help you stay hydrated. These apps allow you to record how much you drink each day and set reminders for you to drink water.

Find Waterllama on the Apple Store.

Find Water Reminder on Google Play.

Read more about how to stay hydrated.

2. SunSmart Global UV app

The SunSmart Global UV app tells you the UV rating in your area to help you stay safe in the sun. It’s powered by reputable and trusted advice from the Cancer Council.

Find the app on the Apple Store or Google Play.

Read more about staying safe in the sun.

Exercising apps for older adults

1. Senior Fitness

The Senior Fitness app features daily exercise routines designed to help you maintain and increase your flexibility. The exercises featured on the app can be done at home without gym equipment. Find the app on Google Play.

2. Daily Yoga

Daily Yoga is an app containing everything you need to get started and stay committed to your yoga practice. The app offers more than 100 yoga and meditation classes aimed at users of all experience levels. (This includes chair yoga.) It also gives you access to a library of suitable music, lets you track and record your progress, and gives you access to a supportive community.

The app involves a monthly fee which will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off. Find the app on the Apple Store or Google Play.

Mental health apps for older people

1. myCompass

myCompass (formerly the HeadGear app) is a free online tool to help you boost your mental fitness. Learn skills to better relax, reduce and manage stress, stay active, improve sleep, connect better with friends, and deal with difficult situations.

Learn more about myCompass.

2. Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind: Mental Wellbeing is a mindfulness meditation app developed by psychologists and educators. It also includes meditations in Indigenous languages like Kriol, Ngaanyatjarra, and Pitjantjatjara.

Find the app on the Apple Store or Google Play.

Brain training games

1. BrainTrack

Are you concerned about changes in your thinking or memory? The BrainTrack app will help you explore these common concerns, providing brain health information through fun, travel-themed games.

Learn more about BrainTrack.

2. Words with Friends

Words With Friends is a free Scrabble-like word game that lets you connect with friends and family. Expand your vocabulary and keep your brain working hard while having fun.

Find the app on the Apple Store or Google Play.

Self-help tools for veterans

Open Arms provides a free resource of information about SMART (self-management and resilience training) treatment tools for veterans. This information, which used to be delivered via the High-Res app, is now available online.

There are interactive, easy-to-use tools that you can access on the go such as:

• Controlled breathing
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Thought stopping

This can help you to improve your response in each moment. Over time, the training can help you to build both mental resilience and fitness.

Get in touch with LiveUp

Need some help? Call us free today on 1800 951 971.

References

Access Hub. About the National Relay Service. https://www.accesshub.gov.au/about-the-nrs

BIG Launcher. Simple Android interface for seniors and people with vision problems. https://biglauncher.com/

Black Dog Institute. (2023). myCompass. https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/digital-tools-apps/mycompass/

Cancer Council. (2024). SunSmart app and UV information. https://www.sunsmart.com.au/

Dementia Australia. (2023). BrainTrack. https://www.dementia.org.au/braintrack

Healthdirect Australia. (2024). Healthdirect app and health information. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

Healthdirect Australia. (2023). Manage Medicine app. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/manage-medicine

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling. (2024). Self-help tools. https://www.openarms.gov.au/

Smiling Mind. (2024). Smiling Mind App. https://www.smilingmind.com.au/

Waterllama. Hydration tracker app. https://waterllama.com

Words With Friends. A game of words and fun. https://wordswithfriends.com

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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