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May 13, 2026
Discover Apps that help elders stay mentally sharp.
Brain Training Apps are increasingly popular for elders as an aid to staying mentally sharp. We have a selection designed to be easy to use, not visually overwhelming, motivating enough to stick with, connected to real-world skills and healthy routines.
Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training £24.99
The reason this remains so effective is that it feels approachable rather than intimidating. The exercises are short, clear and varied, and many older users stick with it longer than more complex apps.
There are short, daily exercises designed to stimulate the brain, others assess your mental quickness and gives a “brain age” score, with 20 being the goal and you can compete against others.
It is particularly good for daily routine building, confidence with technology, mental stimulation without frustration
The disadvantage is that the full version is only available on Nintendo Switch, although you can download a limited edition to your PC.
An alternative is the Einstein Brain Training App which is a series of five minute daily exercises.
Neeuro Memorie Premium App – Mental Fitness Training £64.48
A more structured cognitive training platform focused on memory, attention and personalised mental fitness exercises.
For older adults specifically interested in cognitive health and structured brain exercises, this style of app is closer to a guided mental fitness programme than a casual game. It can work with the Sense band (£315-£379) which captures brain waves and measures attention, mental workload and relaxation levels.
Mind Quiz Your Brain Coach · £4.44
Simple mini-games and mental exercises with a lower learning curve than many mainstream cognitive apps.
Many over-65 users abandon brain apps because the interface feels cluttered or confusing. Simpler apps often lead to better long-term engagement.
Brain HQ – Subscription $14 monthly
Online exercises that work out attention, brain speed, memory, people skills, navigation and intelligence. Adapts to how well you are doing – find them too hard and they get easier.
There’s a personal trainer feature who tracks your performance.
Elevate Brain Training £9.99 monthly £39.99 Annual
Elevate is a personalized brain-training app designed to improve practical cognitive skills through over 40 mini-games. It focuses on enhancing vocabulary, speaking abilities, processing speed, memory, and mental math rather than just general abstract
Peak Brain Training £26-£35 Annual (can often get a discount)
Much like Elevate, Peak is designed to improve cognitive functions like memory, focus, problem-solving, and mental agility through short, daily, gamified exercises. Developed in partnership with neuroscientists from universities like Cambridge and NYU, it offers over 45 games and personalized “Coach” training for mental fitness.
One distinction is that you cam measure your success against others.
Cognifit £6.99-£9.99 monthly can access limited games for free
App-style exercises target specific cognitive abilities with repeated practice and instant feedback. Common gains: improved memory, faster processing speed and stronger problem-solving skills.
They recommend 3 x 20-minute sessions a week and monitor and track your progress.
Luminosity £8.99 monthly £44.99-£54.99 annual
A popular, science-based brain training program designed to enhance cognitive abilities like memory, attention, speed, flexibility, and problem-solving through 40+ interactive, adaptive games.
Developed by neuroscientists, it offers personalized daily 10-15 minute workouts that adapt to individual skill levels for users.
As you will have gathered most of the these are much of a muchness, so read reviews to see what suits you best. Saga rate Elevate, Luminosity and Peak as the top three.
This may help you to find the best by type.
Best Options by Personality Type
| Type of user | Best choice |
| Wants something simple | Dr Kawashima |
| Wants evidence-based training | BrainHQ |
| Wants practical everyday skills | Elevate |
| Gets bored easily | Peak |
| Enjoys social/family play | Big Brain Academy |
| Wants personalised programmes | CogniFit |
| Wants free casual games | Lumosity |
However, as scientists readily agree what can be best for your cognitive health may not be an app but these factors:
So on this basis consider:
Visit out Things To Do section where you’ll find suggestions for activities and hobbies that will benefit you mentally.
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