Key Points
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Many seniors are slow to adopt new technology but doing so is quite helpful.
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Communication apps for seniors allow them to stay connected and access essential services.
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Senior-friendly products like smartphones, tablets, cordless phones, and video stations offer simple operations and a clear interface.
Technology keeps changing, and many seniors struggle to keep up with the latest communication tools and devices for seniors. Connections with family and friends provide a sense of community and even help you stay healthy and live longer.
“There is a digital divide among people and the older adults in our world are on the side of those who are less inclined to try a new digital technology tool,” says Susan Quatro, visiting lecturer at the School of Communication at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York.
Fortunately, senior-friendly communication tools make it easy to stay in touch. Senior communication devices offer features like larger buttons, easy-to-read displays, and simplified interfaces. Technology for seniors doesn’t just keep you connected with loved ones; it makes essential services like healthcare and transportation more accessible.
This article explores the best senior technology devices like senior-friendly phones and other devices.
GrandPad
GrandPad Tablet for seniors is a specialized Bluetooth-enabled tablet that makes it easy to connect with loved ones and access digital services. It offers a large, high-resolution touchscreen and a simplified interface for seniors with limited technology experience or who have reduced eyesight or hearing.
The GrandPad has pre-installed video calling, email, music, and photo-sharing apps. This communication aid features a 4G LTE cellular connection to access the internet and make calls from anywhere — even without wifi — and it blocks spam and robocalls.
GrandPad comes with a wireless charger, a stylus, and unlimited 24/7/365 customer support with a premium subscription.
Jitterbug Flip
The Jitterbug Flip 2 cell phone is a senior-friendly flip phone developed by GreatCall, which provides senior technology devices. The phone features a large, easy-to-read screen and a simplified interface. You can use voice commands with Amazon Alexa, an integrated virtual assistant, to interact with your phone.
The Jitterbug Flip 2 senior-friendly phone incorporates a powerful speakerphone, voice dialing, and a dedicated urgent response button that connects to emergency help 24/7. This senior communication solution includes a built-in camera and Bluetooth connectivity and can send and receive text messages.
GreatCall service plans for the Jitterbug Flip 2 include unlimited talk, text, and various data options.
Photo source: Amazon.com
Amazon Echo Show
Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) is a voice-activated senior communication solution with a 10.1” HD screen that you can use for video calls, messaging, and entertainment. This multi-function device makes an excellent communication aid for the elderly.
The Echo Show uses the virtual assistant Alexa to stream music and video content, access news and weather updates, set reminders, and control smart home devices.
You can make video calls to your friends and family, take a picture with the 13MP camera, and enjoy premium, directional sound. Enjoy your favorite shows, music, and podcasts from streaming providers like Prime Video, Netflix, Amazon Music, and Spotify. When you’re not using your Echo Show, turn your screen into a digital frame to display your favorite photos.
Alexa can control compatible Zigbee and Matter devices without a separate hub — ask Alexa to show you security cameras, control lights, and adjust thermostats.
Komp
Komp is a one-button computer that bridges the communication gap between those who struggle to use modern technology and their more tech-savvy family and friends. This elderly communication device is simpler to use than a tablet or smartphone and connects to an app for family members.
With Komp’s 4G internet, your family and friends can make video calls and share photos and messages directly with you on your 21" screen and clear sound speakers.
Just plug in this device for seniors and turn it on to connect to a closed social network. When turned on, Komp automatically receives calls and displays photos and messages.
Komp has no touch-screen to struggle with or usernames, passwords, or manual updates to remember. It plugs into the wall with no charging required.
Clarity XLC3.4+
Clarity XLC3.4+ DECT 6.0 is an extra loud, big-button speakerphone with talking caller ID and hands-free operation. It connects directly to assistive listening devices or a headset.
This loud, easy-to-use senior communication device features up to 50 decibels of Digital Clarity Power amplification, DECT 6.0 technology, and a loud and clear speakerphone. Large, illuminated, high-contrast buttons are easy to press and see, and they speak the numbers as you dial them. Talking Caller ID and a high-contrast Caller ID screen with a large font display tells you who’s calling.
The Clarity XLC3.4+ offers four tone settings for listening, a 95dB extra-loud, a flashing ringer with adjustable tones, and a voicemail indicator. This elderly communication aid amplifies incoming sounds up to 50 dB and amplifies outgoing speech up to 15dB to help others hear better.
Photo source: Amazon.com
Apple iPad
Apple 2021 10.2" iPad is a tablet computer that runs on the same iOS operating system used by iPhones. iPad has a touchscreen interface and excels at browsing the web, watching videos, playing games, and running apps.
Integrated apps like FaceTime, messaging, and email are senior-friendly communication tools. Make video calls with the 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front camera, or capture sharp, vivid images and video with the 8-megapixel back camera. The 10.2" Retina display with True Tone is bright and clear for working on a project or watching a movie.
Ipad is powerful and easy-to-use technology for seniors right out of the box. With over a million apps on the App Store designed just for the iPad, you’ll find the right app for anything you want to do. A Touch ID keeps your information secure.
The iPad has up to 256GB storage, a fast A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine, and 802.11ac wifi built into it.
Photo source: Amazon.com
HomePod
HomePod is an Apple smart speaker that can make hands-free calls, send messages, play music, answer questions, and control smart home devices. It’s a popular communication aid for elderly users.
HomePod incorporates Siri, Apple's voice-activated assistant. Its six microphones hear and respond to voice commands from anywhere in the room, even with loud music. The advanced audio technology provides high-quality sound and adjusts to the room's acoustics to deliver the best possible listening experience.
HomePod incorporates AirPlay and can control Apple Music or stream audio from other sources like Spotify or Pandora.
Facebook Portal
Facebook Portal is a hands-free, voice-activated video calling hub with a built-in Alexa smart assistant. Smart Sound technology enhances audio clarity and reduces background noise, making it a smart elderly communication device. Portal can access your Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram account and connect with others on their phone, tablet, or Portal device.
Portal sits on a table and frees up your hands while chatting. The wide-angled AI-powered camera automatically zooms in or pans out to keep you in the frame, even if you move. It supports third-party apps like Spotify and Pandora and smart home devices like Nest cameras and Philips Hue lights.
GoGoGrandparent
GoGoGrandparent is a transportation service for seniors who have difficulty using ride-sharing apps. When you call the GoGoGrandparent hotline, a live operator helps you request a ride using your preferred ride-sharing service. The operator tracks the ride, provides updates, and assists you with any issues or concerns.
You can request a car with a trained driver who assists you in getting in and out of the car, waits for you at your destination, or helps you into your home.
GoGoGrandparent also helps you order groceries, prescription medications, meals, and assistance with home chores with a simple phone call. It opens the door to modern technology for seniors who lack access.
Magic Jack
MagicJack is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service that makes unlimited phone calls over the Internet without a separate phone service. It plugs into a computer's USB port or a router and provides you with a phone number.
MagicJack phone service includes popular features like voicemail, call forwarding, and caller ID. Plus, you can use the MagicJack app to make calls and send text messages over the internet with your smartphone or tablet. MagicJack is one of many low-cost senior communication solutions, especially if you make frequent long-distance calls.
Stay Connected With the Best Technology for Seniors
As a senior, you need to remain connected with loved ones and the wider world, but choosing the right senior communication devices might be overwhelming.
Senior-friendly phones, tablets, video conferencing apps, and specialized senior-friendly devices make staying in touch simple. Try some of these senior communication solutions to stay in touch and access the services you need.
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