I have macOS big sur 11.7.10. It says I am up to date but there are programs
I am trying to download and they say I need an os of 12 or higher
iMac 27″, macOS 11.7
If your Mac is compatible with macOS Monterey 12.*, then upgrade so you can install those operating system limited applications. There is no alternative.
macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers - Apple Support