Disclosure: Friends Over 50 participates in affiliate programs, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Introduction
Ever feel like your phone is running your life instead of the other way around?
We’ve all fallen into the trap of doomscrolling through news feeds or mindlessly flipping through social media, only to realize an hour has disappeared. But our phones can be powerful tools rather than time-drains. One of my goals with this blog is to help women over 50 get comfortable with everyday tech that actually enhances our lives. Today, I’m sharing the six best apps for women over 50 that have transformed my phone from a distraction device into a genuine life assistant. These aren’t just more screens to stare at—they’re practical solutions that give you back time, reduce stress, and add real value to your day. No more digital guilt—just technology that works for you.
Best Apps for Women Over 50 – Productivity
Most websites will tout the best productivity apps for women as the ones for making lists or keeping track of your schedule. My “must have” apps for organization serve specific purposes.
Here is my list:
1. Plan to Eat – The best meal planning app for busy women
Do you bookmark the recipes you come across while scrolling Instagram or your favorite site? Now you can save that recipe in the Plan To Eat app in seconds. You will be able to find it when it is time to make dinner. I have never had this app fail to save a recipe online, even on the sketchiest of websites. It works on desktop as well as your phone. Plan To Eat has a planning function so you can pull your recipes into a meal plan with one click. You can even generate a grocery list based on your plan for the week. Before I started using Plan To Eat, I had multiple three ring binders with my printed out recipes in them. I’ve reduced all of that clutter and saved a ton of paper by using the Plan to Eat app. The Plan To Eat app has a 14-day free trial, then you must subscribe to keep using it. Use my affiliate link to get 20% off!
Download Plan To Eat for iPhone here
Download Plan To Eat for Android here
2. Sam’s Club Scan & Go – Skip the Checkout Line
My first post on this blog was a Sam’s Club Scan & Go review. Mobile checkout allows me to use my phone to scan items as I shop. When I’m ready to check out, I confirm the number of items in my cart and slide to pay. It couldn’t be easier and I love to breeze past the folks waiting in line as I head directly to the exit.
Download Sam’s Club for iPhone here
Download Sam’s Club for Android here
3. Waze – The App That Made Me A More Confident Driver
True confession: This app changed the way I drive. I was a very anxious driver until I started using Waze. I was fine driving along a familiar route, but as soon as I hit the highway, even to go a town over, I was panicking inside as I white knuckled my way along. But having my soothing Waze companion to guide me, that has changed.
Unlike other GPS apps, Waze gives real-time traffic updates, accident alerts, and even warnings about speed traps and road hazards. It’s like having a co-pilot who’s always looking ahead for the best way to get where you need to go. And to make it fun, the app lets you choose the voice that gives you directions – they call it your sidekick.
If you’ve ever felt hesitant about driving somewhere new, you need the Waze app.
Download Waze for iPhone here
Download Waze for Android here
Best Apps for Women Over 50 – Relaxation & Entertainment
While staying organized and productive is essential, making time for relaxation and entertainment keeps life balanced. These next three apps help me unwind and enjoy my downtime without the technology overwhelm.
4. My Local Public Library App
I have cards at two local public libraries, so having their apps helps me keep my reading life on track. If I forget my library card- its in the app. If I need to check on the due dates for my checkouts, I can look it up. If a friend recommends a good book, I can quickly see if one of the libraries has a copy and put it on hold.
While I love to escape into a good book sometimes I need something else to help me unwind. Search your app store for your local public library app!
5. Insight Timer – Meditation & Relaxation on Demand
I have searched high and low for the best meditation apps for sleep and relaxation. Insight Timer is my favorite. If you are looking for mindfulness without a paid subscription, the free version has much to offer. It has a wide range of guided meditations, sleep sounds and other audio stress relief tools.From calming the mind to stimulating it in positive ways, technology can enhance different aspects of our mental wellbeing.
Download Insight Timer for iPhone here
Download Insight Timer for Android here
6. ChatGPT – Your Creative Companion and Conversation Partner
I know AI sounds intimidating, but trust me—ChatGPT is way more fun and useful than you’d think.I promise this is nothing to be afraid of. I do plan to give you a deeper dive into how you can use AI but for now here are a few quick ideas:
As a creative playmate: Need a quick bedtime story for visiting grandkids? Want to play a word game when you’re bored? ChatGPT can create personalized stories, jokes, riddles, and games on demand. Use it to create custom trivia questions about your favorite movies, tv shows, etc and play a fun game with your family at your next get-together.
As a curiosity satisfier: It’s like having a knowledgeable friend available 24/7 for those random questions that pop into your mind. Instead of falling down internet rabbit holes, I can ask ChatGPT about anything from ‘Why is the sky blue?’ to ‘What foods were popular in the 1970s?’ It’s become my go-to for those ‘I wonder…’ moments.
As a creative writing partner: With a little context, tt can write a social media caption or a thoughtful birthday card note in seconds.
As a conversation companion: Sometimes I just want someone to chat with about a topic I’m interested in. Whether it’s discussing a book I just finished or exploring ideas about gardening, ChatGPT offers engaging conversation without judgment – perfect for those quiet evenings when you want mental stimulation without the social energy of a phone call.
Download ChatGPT for iPhone here
Download ChatGPT for Android here
Conclusion
Technology can sometimes feel overwhelming, but when you find the right apps, it can actually make life easier, more organized, and even more enjoyable. These six apps have become part of my daily routine and that’s why I consider them to be the best apps for women over 50.
Whether you’re looking for productivity boosters or ways to relax, I hope this list of mobile apps for women 50+ gives you a few new ideas to try. Do you have a favorite app that makes your life easier or more fun? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s on your must-have list!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Apps for Women over 50
Are these apps free to use?
Plan to Eat has a subscription fee after a trial period. You can save 20% by using my affiliate link. ChatGPT has both free and paid versions. The library apps, Sam’s Club Scan & Go, Waze, and Insight Timer’s basic version are all free.
Do these apps work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes! All six apps are available for both iOS and Android devices.
I’m not very tech-savvy. Are these apps easy to learn?
Absolutely! I’ve selected these apps specifically because they have intuitive interfaces. If you can use a smartphone, you can use these apps.