Healthy ageing and wellness apps

Healthy ageing apps

  • Getting older can affect a person’s health and wellbeing, including their physical, mental and cognitive health.
  • Many factors influence healthy ageing and taking care of yourself such as staying active, making healthy food choices, getting enough sleep, limiting your alcohol intake, going to the doctor regularly, staying socially connected and taking care of your mental health.
  • There are a variety of apps to support healthy ageing and help you take control of your health.
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Getting older can affect your health and wellbeing, including your physical, mental and cognitive health. Healthy ageing involves making choices that promote your independence as you get older.

Many factors influence healthy ageing and taking care of your health, such as:

  • staying active
  • making healthy food choices
  • getting enough sleep
  • limiting your alcohol intake
  • going to your healthcare provider regularly
  • staying socially connected, and
  • taking care of your mental health.

Maintaining mobility and physical strength are important to being independent, participating in social engagements and pursuing hobbies. Learn about ageing and some of the things that are important as you get older.

There are a variety of apps to support ageing well.

Before choosing an app, think about how it will benefit you and what you want it to be able to do.

  • An app will only be helpful if you use it, so it needs to be something you like using and find easy to use.
  • If you find the app difficult to use, or you don't like the imagery or look of it, or the language it uses, you may want to find another one that suits you better.
  • For more guidance on how to choose health apps, see How to choose a health app.
  • It's important to remember that apps don’t replace professional help or your doctor’s advice.

App  Features Clinical review

Nymbl Training app
  • An app for people wanting to improve their balance and mobility and reduce their risk of falling.
  • Available from Apple Store
  • The app is free for all New Zealand residents, over the age of 50 years.
  • Read more about Nymbl Training app
 5 star review

LifeCurve app
  • An app aimed at older people who are struggling with activities of daily living, or their caregivers and whānau who wish to find ways to help.
  • Available from Google Play and Apple Store
  • Free
  • Read more about LifeCurve app.
 5 star review

BrainTrack app
  • Monitor and track brain health and cognitive function over time.
  • Interactive and fun to use.
  • Provides personalised results.
  • Available from Apple Store and Play Store
    Free
  • Read more about BrainTrack app
 5 star review

KYND Wellness
  • Consumer information and goal setting.
    Diary and tracking, reminders, and library.
  • Videos and newsfeed.
  • Graphs and reporting.
  • Available in App Store and Google Play
  • Cost: Free
  • Read more about KYND Wellness
 5 star review

Stroke Riskometer
  • Risk self-assessment.
  • Education and information.
  • Cost: Free
  • Available in App Store
  • Read more about Stroke Riskometer
 5 star review

Keep On Keep Up app
  • An exercise app to help older adults improve strength and balance.
  • Available from Apple Store
  • Free
  • Read more about Keep on Keep Up app 
 4 star review

Ageing topics
NZ Health App Library
Consumer guide – how to choose a health app
Clinicians' guide – how to choose a health app

References

  1. Helbostad JL, Vereijken B, Becker C, et al. Mobile health applications to promote active and healthy ageing(external link). Sensors (Basel). 2017 Mar 18;17(3):622.

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Factsheets – using health apps safely

How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Privacy and security tips for using health apps
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ

Credits: Healthify He Puna Waiora. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.

Read more at: https://healthify.nz/apps/h/healthy-ageing-apps/
Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust