Health Apps for Seniors: Smartphone Tips from Golden Age Services

Greg Padgett
May 12
2 min read

Smartphones aren’t just for texting or calls—they’re powerful tools for staying healthy and safe. At Golden Age Services, our senior smartphone classes empower older adults to use technology with confidence. In our latest 15-minute class, we teach seniors how to use free health apps to track activity, set medication reminders, and access emergency features. Ready to make your smartphone a wellness partner? Here are four simple ways to get started.

1. Track Your Activity with Ease

Want to stay active? Your smartphone can count your steps and monitor movement using free, built-in apps. These tools help seniors stay motivated without complicated setups.

iPhone: Open the pre-installed Health app. Tap “Summary” to see your steps. Enable “Step Tracking” in Settings > Health > Data Access & Devices.
Android: Use Google Fit (free in the Play Store). Tap “Home” to view steps and allow motion tracking when prompted.

Tip: Start small—check your steps daily to build a walking habit! Learn more in our senior smartphone classes.

2. Never Miss a Medication

Forgetting a pill? Your phone can remind you with simple calendar alerts or a free app like Medisafe. These tools make managing medications stress-free.

iPhone: Open the Calendar app. Tap “+” to add an event (e.g., “Take Pill”). Set the time, choose “Repeat” (daily), and save.
Android: Open Calendar, tap “+” for a reminder, name it “Take Pill,” set time, select “Repeat” (daily), and save.

Tip: Try Medisafe for a user-friendly medication tracker. Our classes show you how to set it up safely.

3. Stay Safe with Emergency Features

Your smartphone can connect you to help in seconds. Set up emergency SOS or contacts for peace of mind, whether at home or on the go.

iPhone: Go to Settings > Emergency SOS. Enable “Call with Side Button” (press side button 5 times). Add contacts in Health > Medical ID > Emergency Contacts.
Android: Go to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Emergency SOS. Turn on “Use Emergency SOS” and add emergency contacts.

Tip: Practice enabling SOS with our instructors at Golden Age Services to feel confident. Visit Apple’s Health page for more details.

4. Explore Simple Health Tools

From checking your heart rate to booking telehealth visits, trusted apps like MyChart make healthcare accessible.

iPhone: Use the Health app for heart rate (if paired with an Apple Watch). Download MyChart (free) from the App Store and sign in with your clinic’s details.
Android: Check heart rate with Google Fit (if supported). Get MyChart from the Play Store and log in with your doctor’s account.

Safety Tip: Stick to trusted apps like Health, Google Fit, or MyChart. Never share personal info with unknown apps.

Join Our Senior Smartphone Classes Today!

At Golden Age Services, we believe technology should simplify life for seniors. Our 15-minute classes teach practical skills like using health apps, texting, and more—all in a fun, supportive environment. Ready to unlock your smartphone’s potential? Visit GoldenAgeServices.com to sign up for a class or learn about our services for older adults.

Stay healthy, stay connected, and let Golden Age Services guide you every step of the way!