According to the FBI, older adults reported nearly $5 billion in scam losses in 2024, and many of those scams started with a simple phone call or text. On the flip side, Pew Research Center notes that over three-quarters of adults 55+ now own a smartphone — meaning we also have more tools than ever to protect ourselves, if we know which ones to use.
Families today often live far apart, and apps can bridge that gap with free video calls, group chats, or instant sharing of photos and updates. As for money? Rising prices are squeezing everyone, especially those who are on fixed incomes. But the right money-saving apps can help cut grocery bills, track spending, and uncover discounts we didn’t know we had.
The practical solutions for real problems we face after 55:
Safety apps give peace of mind against scams, emergencies, or getting lost.
Communication apps make it easier (and free) to stay close with kids and grandkids no matter the distance.
Money-saving apps help lower the bills and stretch a fixed income without cutting back on the things you enjoy.
Each one has been recommended by trusted sources like AARP, NPR, SeniorLiving.org, and Pew Research. They’ve been tested, reviewed, and found helpful for older adults who want to live smarter — not harder.
Below, you’ll find apps that keep you safer, more connected, and more financially confident. Think of this as your “starter toolbox” for protecting both your wallet and your well-being.
20 Free Apps That Protect Your Time, Money, and Peace of Mind
Safety, Communication & Money Apps
Life360 (Family Locator)
A location-sharing app that lets family members check each other’s whereabouts in real time. It includes features like driving reports, emergency SOS alerts, and crash detection.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: PCMag – Best Family Locator Apps
Red Panic Button (Emergency Alerts)
Provides a one-tap emergency alert system. By pressing the red button, your phone instantly sends your GPS location and a distress message to selected contacts, ensuring quick response in emergencies.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: Verywell Health – Best Emergency Apps
Magnifying Glass + Flashlight
An app that turns your smartphone into a digital magnifier. It uses your phone’s camera and flashlight to enlarge and illuminate text, making it easier to read menus, prescription bottles, or fine print.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: SeniorLiving.org – Accessibility Apps
Find My iPhone / Find My Device
Apple’s “Find My” and Google’s “Find My Device” apps help you locate a lost or stolen phone on a map, play a sound to find it nearby, or remotely lock and erase it for security.
Free on iPhone & Android
ICE – In Case of Emergency
Stores vital medical information, allergies, and emergency contacts that first responders can quickly access from your phone’s lock screen. It ensures your health details are available when you can’t speak for yourself.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: American Red Cross
Noonlight (Personal Safety)
Noonlight allows you to discreetly request emergency help. By holding a button in the app, you can signal distress. If you release the button without entering your PIN, your location is automatically sent to local authorities.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: Safety.com – Best Personal Safety Apps
FBI Child ID (Identification Storage)
Originally created for parents, this app securely stores ID information and photos of dependents or loved ones. In case of emergencies, it can quickly provide details to authorities, making it useful for families caring for grandchildren.
Free on iPhone
Reference: FBI.gov
bSafe (Personal Safety)
Lets friends follow your walk home live, with SOS alarms and voice activation.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: Consumer Reports – Safety Apps
Safe365 (Location & Health Tracking)
Allows caregivers or family to check in on you and get alerts if something seems wrong.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: AARP – Personal Safety Apps
EyeReader (Vision Aid)
A senior-designed magnifier for reading books, menus, and receipts in low light.
Free on iPhone
Reference: SeniorLiving.org
Money & Savings
GasBuddy
Find the lowest gas prices near you, updated by users daily.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: AARP – Gas Savings
Coupons.com
Access grocery coupons and cash back offers directly from your phone.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: The Balance – Best Coupon Apps
Ibotta
Earn cash back on groceries and retail purchases by snapping your receipt.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: AARP – Grocery Apps
RetailMeNot
Search for promo codes and coupons while shopping online.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: Forbes – Best Coupon Apps
Fetch Rewards
Scan any receipt to earn points toward free gift cards.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: NerdWallet – Best Rewards Apps
Honey
Automatically applies the best coupons at checkout when shopping online.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: CNET – Best Money Apps
Flipp
Browse weekly store ads in one place to compare prices before you shop.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: AARP – Best Shopping Apps
YNAB – You Need A Budget
Simple budgeting tool to help manage monthly income and expenses.
Free on iPhone & Android (trial, then paid)
Reference: Investopedia – Best Budgeting Apps
Stocard
Store all your loyalty and membership cards in one app — no more heavy wallets.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: TechRadar – Wallet Apps
Truebill (Rocket Money)
Helps track subscriptions, manage bills, and cancel unwanted charges.
Free on iPhone & Android
Reference: NerdWallet – Budget Apps
Friends,
Staying safe, and stretching every dollar — these aren’t just “nice to haves” after 55, they’re essential. The reality is, scams are getting smarter, prices are rising, and loved ones often live far apart. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.
With the right tools, we can protect our independence, strengthen our connections, and make our money go further than we thought possible. These apps aren’t about being “techy.” They’re about making life simpler, safer, and more affordable — one small step at a time.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Let’s keep choosing tools that protect what we’ve worked for and keep us connected to the people and things that matter most.
With care,
Mike Bridges
Founder, The O55 Report