Many adult children reach the same moment: Mom or Dad has an iPad or a phone, has a bit more time on their hands, and you'd like them to have something pleasant and engaging to do with it. A brain games app seems like a good idea. But the App Store is crowded, and most apps weren't designed with your parent in mind.
This guide is written for you, the son, daughter or caregiver making the choice. It covers what to check, how popular apps compare, and how to set things up so your parent actually enjoys it. App details were checked on 2 October 2026.
Start With Your Parent, Not the App
Before comparing apps, think about the person who will use it:
- Eyesight. Do they need reading glasses? Is small text a struggle?
- Hands. Are taps accurate, or are fingers less steady than they used to be?
- Comfort with technology. Are they at ease with a tablet, or still learning?
- Interests. Do they love crosswords, numbers, cards or trivia?
- Temperament. Do they like a challenge against the clock, or does pressure put them off?
- Language. Would they be more comfortable in their first language?
Your answers point you toward the right kind of app. A parent who enjoys quick puzzles and is confident with technology may love a fast, varied app. A parent who's new to tablets, or who dislikes being rushed, will usually do better with something simpler.
What to Check in Any App
| What to check | Good sign | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Text | Large, clear, high contrast | Small or pale text |
| Buttons | Big and well spaced | Small icons close together |
| Pace | No countdown, or generous time | Fast timers and leaderboards |
| Screens | One task at a time | Busy menus and pop-ups |
| Ads | None | Full-screen or video ads |
| Cost | Clear free part and easy cancellation | Confusing offers |
| Language | Available in their language | English only, if that's a barrier |
To check for ads before downloading, look for "Contains: Advertising" on the App Store listing. Our guide to brain training apps without ads explains more.
How Popular Apps Compare for an Older Parent
| App | Style | Free option | Ads label | Languages (App Store) | Designed for older adults |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SilverMind | Calm 3-exercise daily workout, big text | Some exercises | No ads | 14 | Yes |
| BrainHQ | Research-based exercises | Daily Spark exercise | No | 4 | Partly |
| Lumosity | 40+ varied games | Limited daily play | No | English | No |
| Elevate | Words, reading and math | Limited | Yes | English | No |
| Peak | 40+ games, short workouts | Limited | Yes | 14 | No |
| AARP Staying Sharp | Lifestyle challenges and games | With AARP membership | No | English | Yes |
Details are from US App Store listings and official websites on 2 October 2026.
Who Each App Suits
SilverMind is our own app, so weigh this with that in mind. It suits parents who want simple, unhurried exercises. Text is large in Atkinson Hyperlegible, a typeface designed for low-vision readers, buttons are big, there's one task per screen and nothing rushes. Each day it offers three short exercises, about six minutes in all, such as Shopping List, Word Search or Odd One Out. There are no ads, some exercises are free, and Premium starts with a 7-day free trial. It's available on iPhone and iPad in 14 languages. It doesn't have a separate family or caregiver view, so you'll see how it's going by asking your parent.
BrainHQ suits a parent who likes the idea of research-based training. It has a free daily exercise and full access for about $14 a month or $96 a year. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer it, so check your parent's plan.
Lumosity suits a confident, curious parent who enjoys variety. It has more than 40 games and works on phones, tablets and computers.
Elevate suits a parent who loves words and mental math.
Peak suits a tech-comfortable parent who likes quick, game-like challenges, and it's available in many languages.
AARP Staying Sharp suits AARP members who'd like healthy-living tips as well as games.
For deeper comparisons, see Lumosity alternatives for seniors and BrainHQ alternatives.
Set Up the Device Before You Hand It Over
A few minutes of setup makes any app far easier:
- Make text bigger and bolder in Settings, under Accessibility and Display & Text Size.
- Tidy the home screen. Put the brain games app and a few essentials on the first page.
- Silence unnecessary notifications. Keep only the ones your parent wants.
- Protect against accidental purchases. In Screen Time, you can stop in-app purchases if that's a concern.
- Write a simple note on paper: how to open the app, how to get back to the home screen.
Our step-by-step guide on how to set up an iPad or iPhone for an elderly parent covers each setting.
Getting Your Parent Started
How you introduce the app matters as much as which app you choose.
- Present it as fun, not therapy. "I found a puzzle app I think you'd like" lands better than "this will help your memory".
- Sit beside them, hands off. Let them tap, even if it's slow. Help only when asked.
- Link it to a routine. After breakfast or with the afternoon cup of tea.
- Keep it short. Five to ten minutes is plenty. A daily brain workout routine shows how little time it takes.
- Talk about it. On your next call, ask what they enjoyed, not what they scored.
- Let them choose. If they don't like an app, try another, or switch to paper puzzles.
Our guide on helping an elderly parent start brain games goes through the first week in more detail.
Don't Forget the Offline Options
Apps are only one way to keep a mind busy. Cards, crosswords, conversation and walks all count. See how to keep an elderly parent mentally sharp for ideas beyond the screen, and games for grandparents and grandchildren for things to do together.
When to Talk to a Doctor
It's natural to hope an app might help if you've noticed your parent becoming more forgetful. But apps aren't a diagnosis or a treatment. The National Institute on Aging describes the research on brain training as mixed, and no app has been shown to prevent dementia.
If you're seeing changes that worry you, such as getting lost in familiar places, repeating questions often or struggling with everyday tasks, encourage your parent to see their doctor. Our guides to signs of cognitive decline in parents and how to talk to parents about memory concerns can help with that conversation.
Research & References
- Cognitive Health and Older Adults - National Institute on Aging
- BrainHQ FAQ - Posit Science (checked 2 October 2026)
- Lumosity, Elevate, Peak and AARP Staying Sharp - App Store listings (checked 2 October 2026)
- Accessibility features on iPhone - Apple Support
