Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong & General Fitness Apps for the Elderly - Part 3 - Cross Platform

By Anna Hazard

View the Rest of the Series

Part 1 - Android
Part 2 - iOS

Introduction

Here are a selection of cross platform apps available for both iOS and Android that have a particular focus on senior fitness.  Apps include overall workout and healthy living for those age 50+, gentle exercises suitable for beginners and seniors alike, exercises specifically tweaked for those with limited mobility or balance issues, as well as a smattering of apps on particular styles of exercises that are well known for being beneficial to the elderly such as qigong and tai chi.
 
Prices range from the completely free, to one time in app purchases, to those that require the use of other equipment in conjunction with the app or otherwise require renewing subscriptions.

Cross Platform Apps

Qigong for Arthritis Relief

• iOS | Android | Website (Free with in-app purchases)
• Includes video lessons & guides to  gentle qigong exercises that can be practiced standing or sitting that help relieve arthritis & joint pain. Also includes massage techniques, pressure points, and guides to accupressure/acupuncture cavities to help improve circulation, pain relief, and stimulate the body's natural healing.

Qigong for Back Pain Relief

• iOS | Android | Website (Free with in-app purchases)
• Video tutorials to gentle qigong exercises that can be done sitting & standing for helping to ease back pain. Also includes guides to qigoing style meditation, posture, pain relieving self massage and pressure points.

Eight Brocades Qigong - Sitting Exercises

• iOS | Android | Website (Free with in-app purchases)
• Includes guides to beginner friendly quigong exercises as well as basic meditation & stress relief methods. Exercises include gentle breathing, stretching and strengthening movements that can be done while sitting down.

Tai Chi Fit OVER 50

• iOS | Android | Website (Free with in-app purchases)
• Video guides to low impact senior friendly tai chi exercises for improved improved mobility, balance, strength and flexibility that can be done while sitting or standing. Suitable for the elderly, those with limited mobility, and beginners looking for gentle exercises that can help with stress relief and breath and body coordination.

SitFit Exercise

• iOS | Android (Free)
• A 3 step exercise program for the elderly, those with limited mobility, or people who have trouble standing that can be completed from the comfort of a chair.

UA Balance

• iOS | Android (Free)
• Created by the University of Arizona Center on Aging this app is a guide to exercises specifically tailored to help improve balance, gait speed, and decrease the chance of falling in the elderly. Exercises focus on motor cognition, paired dual tasks, and neuromuscular control.

WalkSmart

• iOS | Android | Website (Free with purchase or rental of device)
• A fitness, safety, and health monitor for walker users that includes movement data in real time by hour or month and can send alerts to caregivers about lack of activity or over activity. While this app is free, it requires the use of Walksmart device which has been previously attached to the potential user's walker.

20 Minute Beginners Workout Free by Power 20

• iOS | Android | Website ($2.99)
• Exercises specifically designed for beginners, the elderly, the obese, and other who may have trouble performing normal level workouts. Includes a guide to a 20 minute full body workout that requires no extra equipment and which helps improve overall fitness, balance, and strength.

flip50

• iOS | Android | Website ($43.99 per month)
• An all-in-one guide to a healthy lifestyle for those age 50+. Includes personalized weekly plans for fitness, nutrition, and stress relief along with access to locally participating gyms & classes and discounts at alternative therapy businesses such as massage & acupuncture. Requires enrollment in the flip50 program at $43.99 a month at certain locales.

Spiro100 TV

• iOS | Android (Free with in-app purchases)
• Access video fitness & wellness classes from top active aging specialists. Topics include dance, fall prevention, yoga, tai chi, meditations, strength, cardio, and posture. Outside of free trial periods, a self-renewing subscription will be required.