iPads have become valuable tools for older adults who want to stay connected, entertained, and independent. The large screen, simple touch controls, and wide range of available apps make iPads easy to use for seniors. Whether you want to video chat with grandchildren, play brain games, manage medications, or learn something new, there's an iPad app designed to help.
The best iPad apps for elderly users include video calling tools like FaceTime and Zoom, brain training games like Lumosity, medication managers like Medisafe, and entertainment options like audiobook apps and streaming services. These apps help you stay mentally sharp, manage your health, and keep in touch with family and friends. Many apps also include special accessibility features that make them easier to see and use.
This guide will walk you through the top iPad apps that can make your daily life simpler and more enjoyable. You'll discover apps for different needs and interests, learn about accessibility features that make using your iPad easier, and find answers to common questions about getting started.
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Must-Have iPad Apps for Elderly
The right iPad apps can help you stay connected with family, manage your health, and enjoy entertainment. These essential apps work well on iPads and offer simple interfaces that make daily tasks easier.
Top Communication Apps for Staying Connected
FaceTime comes pre-installed on your iPad and makes video calling simple. You can call other Apple users with just a tap. The large screen on your iPad makes it easy to see faces clearly during conversations.
Zoom works great for group video calls with multiple family members at once. You can join calls by clicking a link someone sends you. The app is free for calls up to 40 minutes.
Facebook Messenger connects you with anyone who has a Facebook account. You can send text messages, photos, and make video calls. The app includes fun filters that your grandchildren might enjoy during calls.
Skype lets you call anyone worldwide for free video chats. You can also call regular phone numbers for a small fee. The app works on most devices, so family members without iPads can still join.
Health and Medication Management Tools
Medisafe helps you track all your medications in one place. The app sends reminders when it's time to take your pills and shows pictures of each medication. It can alert a family member if you miss a dose.
GoodRx saves you money on prescriptions by comparing prices at different pharmacies. You can find coupons right in the app and show them at the pharmacy counter. The app also reminds you when refills are due.
Find My iPad helps locate your device if you misplace it. You can make it play a sound or see its location on a map. This feature gives you peace of mind knowing you can always find your iPad.
Reading, Podcasts, and Entertainment Apps
Audible offers thousands of audiobooks with professional narration. The app is perfect if you have vision problems or find holding books uncomfortable. Amazon Prime members get access to free audiobooks during the trial period.
Apple Podcasts gives you access to shows on every topic imaginable. You can listen to news, stories, comedy, or educational content. The app is free and comes already installed on your iPad.
Spotify lets you stream music and podcasts at no cost. You can create playlists of your favorite songs or discover new music. The premium version removes ads and lets you download content for offline listening.
Amazon Prime Video provides movies and TV shows you can watch anytime. If you already have Amazon Prime, this app is included at no extra charge. You can download shows to watch without an internet connection.
Goodreads helps you track books you've read and want to read. You can see what friends are reading and get personalized recommendations. The app connects with both physical books and audiobooks.
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Games and Brain Training Apps for Seniors
Games and brain training apps offer elderly iPad users fun ways to stay mentally sharp while enjoying their tablet time. These apps range from classic word puzzles to scientifically designed memory exercises, with many free options available.
Popular Word and Puzzle Games
Word games for seniors like Words With Friends and Words With Friends 2 let you challenge family members and friends to vocabulary battles. These games work like digital Scrabble, making them perfect if you enjoy building words from letter tiles.
Wordle has become a daily habit for millions of seniors. You get six tries to guess a five-letter word, and the simple format takes just a few minutes each day. The New York Times also offers Spelling Bee, where you create words from seven letters to see how many combinations you can find.
Pictoword combines pictures and words into one puzzle game. You look at two images and figure out what word they represent together.
Classic jigsaw puzzles have moved to the iPad too. Digital puzzle apps let you choose from thousands of images without losing pieces under the couch. You can adjust difficulty levels and even create puzzles from your own photos.
Top Brain Games for Cognitive Fitness
Lumosity leads the brain training category with over 100 million users. The app includes 40+ games that adapt to your skill level and target memory, attention, problem-solving, and processing speed. Scientists designed these games to challenge your mind in specific ways.
Peak offers 45+ games across six categories of cognitive skills. You can take daily brain workouts or try skill-based sessions like "coffee break" challenges. The app tracks your performance and shows you where you're improving.
Elevate focuses on practical skills like math, reading comprehension, and speaking abilities. Each workout takes just a few minutes and adapts to keep you challenged without frustration.
Free iPad Games for Elderly Users
Many brain games for seniors offer free versions with solid features. Sudoku.com provides thousands of number puzzles at no cost, with hints available when you get stuck.
The Mind Games app gives you access to various free exercises including Face Memory, Math Star, and Word Memory. You can try premium games three times before deciding if you want to upgrade.
Free ipad games for seniors also include Left vs Right, which offers 50+ mini-games after watching short videos. The games test awareness, reflexes, and reasoning skills.
NYT Games requires a subscription but eliminates ads completely. You get the daily crossword, Wordle, Spelling Bee, and Sudoku all in one place. The crosswords start easy on Monday and get harder through the week.
Most premium brain training apps offer free trials. This lets you test games before committing to a subscription.
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Ease of Use and Accessibility Features
iPads have built-in tools that make apps easier to use for older adults. You can adjust settings to make text bigger, buttons clearer, and navigation simpler.
Customizing iPad Settings for Seniors
You can change several iPad settings to make apps for seniors work better. Go to Settings > Accessibility to find options that help with vision, hearing, and touch controls.
The Display and Text Size option lets you make text bold and increase its size using a slider. This helps when reading emails or using any apps for seniors. You can also turn on Button Shapes to make it clearer where to tap.
Touch settings let you adjust how your iPad responds to taps. You can slow down how fast you need to double-tap or make buttons stay active longer. This gives you more time to select what you want.
VoiceOver reads everything on your screen out loud. Turn it on by saying "Siri, turn on VoiceOver" or go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver. Tap once to select something and tap twice to open it.
The Zoom feature helps you see things better. Double-tap with three fingers to zoom in and move around the screen. You can set how much it zooms in the Zoom settings.
Enhancing Comfort With Accessibility Options
Assistive Access makes your iPad simpler by showing bigger app icons and removing extra features you don't need. It works well for apps like Find My iPad or apps that help you remember where you parked.
Spoken Content lets Siri read text to you. Swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen to hear what's there. You can pause or stop the reading anytime.
Guided Access locks your iPad to one app at a time. This stops you from accidentally leaving an app or opening something you didn't mean to. Set it up with a passcode in Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access.
You can make typing easier by turning on larger keyboard options or using voice dictation instead. Hold the microphone button on the keyboard to speak your message rather than type it.
Also read: How Many Generations of iPads Are There? Complete Guide by Model
Lifestyle, Learning, and Unique Apps for Older Adults
iPads open doors to explore new interests and navigate daily life with greater ease. Apps designed for travel planning and skill-building help you stay engaged while pursuing hobbies that matter most to you.
Travel and Navigation
Navigation apps transform your iPad into a powerful travel companion. Google Maps and Apple Maps provide turn-by-turn directions whether you're walking, driving, or using public transit. You can search for nearby restaurants, gas stations, and points of interest.
MarineTraffic offers something unique if you live near water or love maritime activities. This app tracks ships in real-time around the world. You can watch vessels move along coastlines and see detailed information about each ship.
Parking becomes less stressful with apps like Remember Where You Parked. This simple app marks your car's location with GPS. You won't waste time searching parking lots or worrying about forgetting your spot at the mall or airport.
Learning and Hobbies With Special Interest Apps
Your iPad makes learning new skills accessible at any age. Duolingo stands out as a fun way to learn languages through short daily lessons. The app uses games and rewards to keep you motivated while building vocabulary in Spanish, French, Italian, or dozens of other languages.
MasterClass brings expert instructors into your home with video lessons on cooking, photography, writing, and gardening. You learn at your own pace and replay lessons as needed.
Yousician teaches musical instruments through interactive lessons that listen as you play. Khan Academy offers free courses on art history, science, and math. These apps prove you're never too old to develop new talents or explore subjects that spark your curiosity.
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Protect Your iPad While Gaming With CHESONA
The right accessories make iPad apps easier and safer to use for elderly users. Chesona offers senior-friendly designs that improve comfort and usability.
CHESONA Cloud Series Keyboard Case for iPad 11" (A16, 2025)
A great companion for seniors using reading, communication, and productivity apps, this keyboard case offers comfortable, well‑spaced backlit keys and a smooth trackpad for easy navigation. Its lightweight design and premium, easy‑to‑clean surface make daily iPad use more enjoyable and less tiring.
CHESONA Steps Touch Series Keyboard Case for iPad 10th Gen (10.9")
Ideal for seniors who use multiple apps for messaging, browsing, and light games, this case supports simple one‑click Bluetooth switching and an intuitive multi‑touch trackpad. The adjustable backlit keyboard helps improve visibility and typing accuracy in any lighting condition.
CHESONA Rugged Keyboard Case for iPad 10th Gen (10.9")
Perfect for elderly users who value stability and protection, this rugged case provides a secure grip, adjustable viewing angles, and a detachable keyboard for flexible use. Its durable design and clear backlit keys make it well suited for everyday apps, games, and video calls at home or on the go.
These accessories help seniors use their iPads with confidence and less strain.
Wrap Up
iPad apps can help older adults stay connected, healthy, and mentally active. From video calling and medication reminders to brain games and audiobooks, the right apps make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.
Pairing these apps with the right accessories further improves comfort and confidence. A sturdy, easy-to-use case with a keyboard or stand reduces strain and makes navigation simpler.
For seniors who want a reliable and supportive setup, Chesona offers practical iPad accessories designed for stability, protection, and ease of use. Their cases help make iPad use safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for everyday tasks.
Accessibility makes everything easier. Explore our guide: Best iPad Pro Apps to Power Up Your Device
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best iPad apps to help with memory exercises for seniors?
Impulse Brain Training is designed to help keep your mind sharp through mental exercises. The app offers activities that challenge your cognitive abilities in a fun way.
Words with Friends 2 provides another excellent option for memory work. You play word games against friends and family, which helps expand your vocabulary while keeping your brain active.
Can you recommend any user-friendly iPad apps suitable for elderly beginners?
GrandPad stands out as an app built specifically for seniors who are new to technology. It features large icons and a simple interface that makes video calls, messaging, and photo sharing easy to understand.
The Magnifier tool comes built into your iPad's accessibility features. It turns your device into a magnifying glass, helping you read small text without needing to download anything extra.
Libby by OverDrive offers a straightforward way to access free ebooks and audiobooks through your local library. You can adjust text size and brightness to make reading more comfortable for your eyes.
What are some iPad apps that facilitate video calling for the elderly?
Zoom is a popular video calling app with an easy-to-use design. You can join calls with one tap and see multiple family members at once.
GrandPad offers simple video calling features. The app removes complicated settings and menus, making it easy to use.
Which iPad apps support medication management for older adults?
Medisafe helps you track your medications in one place. The app sends reminders when it’s time to take your medicine and tracks your dosages.
Caregivers can connect to your Medisafe account, allowing family members to monitor your medication schedule.
Are there any engaging game apps for iPads that can help keep the elderly entertained?
Words with Friends 2 lets you play word games with people around the world. It keeps your mind active and offers a fun way to connect with others.
Brain training apps like Impulse offer puzzles and challenges. These games help maintain your cognitive abilities and provide entertainment.
Could you suggest iPad apps that are helpful for elderly users with limited mobility?
Voice Control and Siri are built-in assistants on your iPad. You can use voice commands to open apps, send messages, and complete tasks without touching the screen.
Libby by OverDrive lets you listen to audiobooks hands-free. You can enjoy books without holding them or turning pages.
The Magnifier tool helps you read by using your iPad camera to make small text larger and easier to see.
