10 iPad Activities for Seniors [Get Most out of Your iPad]

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iPad is one of the favorite devices of seniors. It helps older adults to stay connected with their loved ones and keep them informed and entertained.

After setting up the iPad, you can use it in many different ways. In this article, I will discuss the 10 best iPad activities for seniors to help them get the most out of their iPads.

1: Games

According to recent AARP research, over 52.4 million Americans aged 50 and older play video games at least once a month—45% of this age group, up from 40.2 million in 2016.

Nearly half of these older gamers play daily, and they’re spending more time gaming than before, an average of 12 hours per month in 2022, compared to 8.5 hours in 2019.

Most seniors play for fun (86%) and relaxation (79%), according to AARP.

Additionally, a study by North Carolina State University found that seniors who play video games report better emotional well-being, while those who never play are more likely to experience depression and negative thoughts.

For older adults, the iPad is an excellent gaming device, offering a large screen, sharp graphics, and accessibility features. Whether you enjoy word games, trivia, or classics like Tetris, the iPad provides a user-friendly gaming experience.

Looking for inspiration? Check out Shirley Curry’s YouTube channel. At 87, she’s a passionate gamer who regularly shares her gaming adventures online.

Read More:

iPad gaming is a fun activity for the elderly to avoid depression and social isolation.

2: Brain Games and Puzzles

Playing brain games and solving puzzles is one of the best therapeutic activities for seniors. Several researches and studies highlight the benefit of memory games and puzzles for seniors.

According to a study by the National Institute of Health, brain games, and puzzles are helpful for adults to maintain reasoning skills and help keep them mentally sharp and active.
Word puzzles improve memory, information processing, attention and the brain’s executive function, according to a study by the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
It is common to suffer cognitive decline as we age. A study by NEJM Evidence found that regularly attempting crossword puzzles help slow cognitive decline among seniors.
A study by NIH suggests that jigsaw puzzles can help combat cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia among older adults.
Journal of the American Medical Association found that seniors who continue to exercise mental abilities through puzzles and memory exercises maintain a higher level of cognition.

App Store has a wide variety of brain games and puzzles that you can play on your iPad. This is one of the few fun iPad activities for seniors that has numerous mental health benefits.

3: Stay Connected

Staying connected boosts both physical and mental well-being. The iPad makes it easy for seniors to stay in touch, no matter the distance.

Here are some of the best ways to connect using an iPad:

Video Calling – Use FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, or Skype to see and talk to loved ones. Group FaceTime lets you chat with multiple people at once.
Share Photos & Videos – Send updates through WhatsApp family groups or social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Grandparent Apps – Enjoy virtual story time, games, and activities with grandchildren using interactive apps.
Messaging & Email – Stay in touch through group chats, emails, and social media.

With an iPad, staying connected has never been easier.

4: Listen to Podcasts

The next of the best iPad activities for older adults is to listen to your favorite podcasts on your iPad.

Podcasts are pre-recorded audio programs that you can listen to anytime, anywhere.

There are podcasts for seniors covering every possible topic including senior living, health, history, and women’s issues.

5: Watch Videos

The iPad offers endless entertainment options for seniors. Watch documentaries, sitcoms, vlogs, and news on YouTube, stream movies on Netflix, or browse videos on Facebook and Apple TV.

It’s also a great kitchen companion—follow recipes or enjoy your favorite shows while cooking. With a large screen and excellent graphics, the iPad is perfect for video content.

Here are some top-quality videos to enjoy on your iPad.

6: Use Social Media

The latest statistics show that more than 45% of seniors of age 65 years and older are active on at least one social media site.

Their favorite social media networks include Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram.

Researchers also found that the use of social media networks is beneficial for the overall health of seniors.

Humans thrive on connection, and social media makes it easy for seniors to engage with like-minded people.

Follow favorite celebrities, influencers, and topics, or stay updated on family and friends. It’s also a great way to reconnect with old classmates and keep up with their lives.

7: Browse the Web

Internet and the world wide web open doors to unlimited opportunities. You can surf the internet from the comfort of your couch using your iPad.

There are websites, blogs, videos, and discussion forums on every possible topic. A survey by GWI showed that 55% of boomers shop or browse for items online every week.

iPad makes accessing information online very easy. No matter what you are into, there are plenty of online communities and information that you will find interesting.

When browsing the internet, beware of online scams targeting seniors.

8: Read an eBook or Listen To an Audiobook

iPad allows seniors to expand text size that fits their personal needs. iPad has a large size of the screen as compared to a Kindle.

The audiobook format allows seniors to listen to the books if they find it hard to focus on ebooks or hold a traditional paperback in their hands.

According to a study by the National Institute of Health, listening to audiobooks have significant benefits for older adults.

Amazon Kindle App for iPad
Barnes and Noble App for iPad
Get free ebooks from ebooks.com, Apple Books and Barnes and Nobel

According to research by the University of Sussex, 6 minutes of reading a book reduces stress by 68%.

9: Learn Something New

Learning something new is always a good idea. The research shows that the act of learning builds “neuron connections” making the brain stronger. Learning fuels creativity and makes us happy.

One of the best uses of an iPad for seniors is to access online resources and learning material.

There are plenty of free courses, tutorials, and video classes for seniors. Whether you want to learn a new language or a skill like knitting, there is enough online learning material to help you.

Whether you are looking for a guide on how to use a smartphone or want to try authentic Korean recipes, iPad makes learning a fun activity.

10: Follow Your Passion

Technology makes life easier and one of the best uses of an iPad is to help you follow your passion.

If you are into drawing or sketching, there are plenty of apps and YouTube videos to help you. You can connect with other people with the passion of drawing on online forums and groups.

If you are into travel, there are some great travel blogs that help you with travel planning. Seniors share their traveling tips on YouTube blogs.

iPad servers as a useful gadgets to follow your passion and connect you with the people who share your passion.

The Bottom Line

The iPad keeps you informed, entertained, and connected. With a vast selection of apps, there’s The iPad keeps seniors informed, entertained, and connected, offering apps for every interest. Here’s why it’s an ideal gadget for older adults:

Portable – Lightweight and easy to carry.
Large Screen – Great for videos, games, and reading.
Senior-Friendly Apps – Designed specifically for older users.
Accessibility Features – Adjustable audio, visuals, and text for ease of use.
Easy Interface – Large buttons and an intuitive design simplify navigation.

With its versatility and user-friendly features, the iPad is a great choice for seniors.

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Sohail Ahmed

I love helping seniors with technology. This blog features apps, games, gadgets, technology tips, and tutorials for older adults … Know More