Smartphones can be a powerful tool for staying connected, safe, and independent. Whether you’re new to using a mobile phone or simply looking to get more out of it, there are many apps designed to support everyday life.
Today, there are millions of apps available, both free and paid that can add real value for many of us. A mobile phone has become an essential companion, helping us stay connected to everything from email and entertainment to health and daily tasks.
To help you get the most out of your smartphone in 2026, we’ve researched and selected some of the most useful apps across communication, safety, health, and accessibility bringing you a simple, easy-to-follow guide.
How to Download an App
To use an app, you first need to download it onto your phone using Wi-Fi or your mobile network.
- If you have an iPhone: Apps are available from the App Store (blue icon). You will need an Apple ID to download or purchase apps.
- If you have an Android device (Samsung, Nokia, LG, etc.): Head to the Google Play Store and sign in with your Google Account to install apps.
Note: While many apps are completely free, some may require an up-front fee, a subscription, or include advertisements.
1. Communication & Social Connection
Staying connected with family and friends has never been easier.
- WhatsApp (Free): A simple messaging app that uses a small amount of data to send text, pictures, and video. It is perfect for creating family groups or making video calls to grandchildren overseas.
- Gmail (Free): One of the most reliable and popular email services in the world. It offers robust security features to filter out spam and keep your personal information safe while keeping you connected to businesses and loved ones.
- Facebook & Instagram: Popular social media platforms for keeping up with family photos, news and community updates.
2. Emergency & Everyday Safety
These apps can help you stay informed and prepared.
- Emergency Plus (Free): Developed by Australia’s emergency services, this app helps you call 000 (triple zero) at the touch of a button quickly and instantly sends your exact location to responders.
- VicEmergency & BOM Weather: Essential for staying updated on official Victorian Government emergency warnings and tracking local weather forecasts.
- Life360: This has both a free and paid version available. Allows you and your family and friends to share locations with each other for added peace of mind.
3. Medical & Health Management
Managing your wellbeing is incredibly convenient with modern technology.
- Healthdirect Australia (Free): A one-stop-shop for checking symptoms, finding local health services, and reading trusted health information. You can even view your immunisations via My Health Record.
- Waterllama & Water Reminder: Staying hydrated is vital. These apps allow you to log intake and set friendly reminders to drink more water.
4. Accessibility & Assistance
These apps make smartphones easier to use.
- BIG Phone for Seniors: If you have vision problems, this app simplifies your phone’s layout by enlarging text and colour-coding icons for easy navigation.
- National Relay Service App (Free): An Australian Government initiative that helps people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech impairment make and receive phone calls.
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI tools can be helpful for everyday tasks, but it’s important to use them carefully. AI can assist with things like writing messages, answering questions, or explaining information in simple terms. However, it may sometimes provide incorrect or outdated information. Always double-check important advice, especially when it relates to health, legal, or financial matters.
Google Gemini (Free & Paid): This allows for a natural, back-and-forth voice conversation. You can interrupt it, ask it to “slow down,” or change the topic mid-sentence.
- Visual Help: You can use your phone’s camera to show Gemini a complex “how-to” manual or a confusing bill, and it can explain it to you in simple terms.
- Google Integration: It can check your Gmail for flight details or look at your Google Calendar to tell you what your day looks like.
ChatGPT (Free & Paid):
- Advanced Voice Mode: Known for its incredibly lifelike voices, ChatGPT can sound like an empathetic friend. It’s excellent for practicing a hobby, learning a new language, or just having a chat to combat loneliness.
- Daily Assistant: Use it to draft polite emails, summarize long articles, or create a weekly meal plan based on what you like to eat.
- Memory Feature: It can remember your preferences (like “I prefer short answers” or “I am allergic to peanuts”) so you don’t have to repeat yourself in future chats.
6. Mental Health & Brain Training
Keeping the mind active is just as important as physical exercise.
- BrainTrack: Provides brain health information through fun, travel-themed games to help track cognitive changes.
- Smiling Mind (Free): A fantastic Australian app offering mindfulness exercises to support mental wellbeing and sleep.
- Words With Friends (Free): A social & fun word game that allows you to expand your vocabulary while competing against friends and family. This is a fun way to keep in contact with the grandkids.
7. Food & Entertainment
Enjoy everyday convenience and entertainment from your phone.
- Woolworths App (Free): Create lists, discover discounts, and order your weekly groceries for pick-up or delivery.
- Taste App (Paid): A popular Australian magazine and website now has an app where you can search for new recipes and save your favourites.
- ABC listen (Free): Tune into the radio wherever you are for local news, classical music, or excellent podcasts from across Australia.
- Streaming Services (Paid): So many options are available now, from Foxtel to Netflix, and more. Often TV is an important source of entertainment. Many families choose to pay for a streaming service for their family member who is residing in an aged care home.
Staying Safe Online
Always be cautious when downloading apps or sharing personal information. Only download apps from the official App Store or Google Play Store, and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or messages. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If you’re ever unsure, ask a family member or staff member for help. You don’t need to download everything at once. Start with one or two apps that meet your needs—perhaps one for staying in touch and another for safety or entertainment. As you become more comfortable, you can explore more options over time. Your phone is there to make life easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
If you need help getting started, don’t hesitate to ask someone you trust and if you would like to contact us regarding short-term or long-term accommodation in one of our aged care homes, you can phone us on 1300 104 663 or contact us here.
