Applications – usually called apps – have become one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways for older adults to stay connected, stimulated, and entertained.
Whether it’s on a smartphone or tablet, there’s now a huge range of simple, accessible apps designed for relaxation, learning, and even social interaction.
From brain-training games and classic card apps to digital reading and listening platforms, the right apps can help reduce isolation, boost mental wellbeing, and bring everyday enjoyment without leaving the house.
But with millions of apps available, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this carefully curated list of the best entertainment apps for older people, focusing on ease of use, accessibility, simple user interfaces, free or low costs options and positive reviews.
Our Top 10 suggestions
When using apps that let you play against strangers, it’s important to stay mindful of your personal information and online safety. Always choose a username that doesn’t reveal your real name, location, or date of birth, and avoid sharing personal details in chat features - even if other players seem friendly. Stick to official app stores when downloading, check reviews to ensure the app is trustworthy, and review privacy settings to control what others can see. If a conversation feels uncomfortable or suspicious, use the app’s block or report features and stop engaging. Taking a few simple precautions can help you enjoy social gaming while keeping your information secure.
1. Words with Friends
A mobile word game app developed by Zynga, it modernises the Scrabble-style gameplay with new social, competitive, and solo modes while maintaining the familiar tile-placement format. The game remains one of the most popular word puzzle apps worldwide.
It’s free to download with optional in-app purchases which unlock more games and offer ad-free games.
What people say about Words with Friends: Users like its social aspect and relaxed gameplay. They enjoy the way you can dip in and out of it, and that it’s a good way of keeping sociable with your friends and family. Some people dislike the frequent ads and notifications.
Find out more about Words with Friends on the website, or find their apps on Android and iPhone.
2. Elevate – Brain Training
Elevate is a brain-training app that is designed to improve a range of cognitive skills, including memory, attention span and processing speed. The app provides a rotation of different ‘sessions’ and games, personalised to every person that uses it. Elevate is a great app for older people looking to keep their brains sharp!
It’s free with a limited version, while a subscription unlocks full features.
What people say about Elevate – Brain Training: Many players appreciate its personalised training and clean design, though some feel the paid version is necessary for real benefit.
You can download the Elevate brain-training app for your iPhone or Android phone here.
3. Spotify
Spotify lets you listen to any song you want, when you want, from your home. There is a free version of the app with adverts, or you can pay a monthly fee for an advert-free version.
No longer just a music streamer; it has evolved into a comprehensive audio platform. While music is its core, Spotify includes podcasts, audiobooks, and social features. It acts as a social network for audio, offering personalised, discovery-based, and community-driven features that extend beyond basic listening.
What people say about Spotify: Users love the huge music library and nostalgia playlists, but dislike ads and occasional complexity in navigation.
You can download Spotify for your computer, Android phone or iPhone here.
4. Fun Bridge
Fun Bridge is a great app for Bridge players who aren’t currently able to meet up with their friends to play. This easy-to-use app allows you to play Duplicate Bridge from your phone or laptop, and you can challenge your friends or play in online tournaments. This app is also for Bridge newcomers, teaching the rules and strategies of the game from scratch – maybe this is a great time to learn!
It’s free to start, with paid options for additional features.
What people say about Fun Bridge: Fans enjoy the realistic gameplay and tutorials, while beginners may find it slightly complicated to learn – a bit like the real game!
5. Duolingo
Apps are great for learning a new skill, including new languages. Duolingo is a free, fun and interactive app allowing people to learn a language from scratch, building up from basic vocabulary to using sentences confidently.
It’s a fun, gamified app for learning new languages through short daily lessons. It’s free with ads, with a premium option for an ad-free experience. And, slightly off-piste, a dedicated chess course has now been added!
What people say about Duolingo: Users love its bite-sized lessons and progress tracking, though some feel it can be repetitive over time.
6. Solitaire
Don’t have a pack of cards at home? Solitaire, the classic one-player card game can also be played on your phone or tablet! This Klondike Solitaire app from Mobilityware also has a range of daily challenges for when you fancy something a little different.
It’s free with ads, with optional purchases.
What people say about Solitaire: Players enjoy its simplicity and relaxing nature, but some find the ads disruptive.
7. Audible
Audiobooks are becoming more and more popular with elderly people, and Audible has established itself as having the very best collection of books to listen to. Audiobooks are a great way to unwind and let you enjoy a story while you are cooking your dinner or getting ready for sleep. Audible offers a 30 day-free trial for new customers, and also has a range of free audiobooks to trial.
There’s a Plus Catalogue featuring original podcasts, exclusive audio dramas, guided wellness/meditation programs, and interviews
What people say about Audible: Users love listening on the go and the wide selection, but some feel the subscription cost (around £8.99 a month) is high if they don’t listen often.
Learn more on the Audible website, or download the app for your iPhone or Android phone.
8. Word Brain
Word Brain is one of the most popular word game apps in the world thanks to its simple gameplay but increasingly challenging puzzles. You play by finding the hidden words in grids of letters and swiping the letters in the correct order to complete the level.
It’s free with ads, with optional purchases.
What people say about Word Brain: Puzzlers enjoy the mental challenge and progression, but say that later levels can become quite difficult and frustrating.
9. Uno!
Uno is another classic family-friendly card game that now has a dedicated app. You can add your friends and family on the app so that you can play Uno together whilst all in your own homes. This makes it a great game to keep the elderly and the young interacting! The game is also suited to people who have never played before thanks to its simple tutorial.
The objective is to be the first player to get rid of all the cards in their hand. Players take turns drawing and playing cards, aiming to match the colour or number of the top card on the discard pile or to play a wild card. When a player has only one card left, they must yell, “UNO!”. It’s free with in-app purchases.
What people say about Uno!: Users love its colourful design and social gameplay, though some dislike the emphasis on in-game purchases and extra features.
10. Wordle
Wordle is an online 5-letter hidden word game. Each day a new word is released and players have six attempts to guess what the word of the day is. During the guesses, tiles will change colour to help players get the word.
It’s a great game to play with family and friends – who gets the best score each day etc. You can even post your results on social media….
It’s free to play via web or with a subscription to the New York Times’ dedicated games app.
What people say about Wordle: People enjoy its simplicity and once-a-day format – it’s a little daily addiction for many. Some wish there were more puzzles or variation in the free version.
Find Wordle on the New York Times website.
