Senior-Friendly Technology to Help Your Parent or Grandparent Stay Connected

Seniors living alone may feel isolated and cut off from the world. One in three seniors reports feeling lonely. Unfortunately, feelings of loneliness are linked to an increased risk of various health issues, including depression, anxiety, stroke, and heart attack. The great news is that modern telecommunications tools make it easier than ever to combat loneliness.

Thanks to high-speed internet and mobile technology, seniors can overcome their isolation and reconnect with the world. This is important for healthy aging. According to Psychology Today, socializing boosts brain health and even reduces the risk of dementia. These benefits are especially relevant to seniors who may be dealing with age-related cognitive decline.

This guide provides a primer to senior-friendly technologies your aging loved one can use to stay connected with friends and family.

Upgrade their computer.

Laptops and computers tend to slow down with age. Upgrade your loved one’s computer. You can get deals on popular laptop and desktop computers online. Many manufacturers offer discounts. For example, Lenovo offers great desktop deals directly on their website, with price cuts of up to 40% on some products.

A tablet is another option. This allows for a bit more flexibility, as your parent or grandparent can easily carry it around the home. The GrandPad® is a senior-friendly tablet designed especially for older individuals. It features unique touches, like extra-large buttons and an intuitive interface that eliminates unneeded apps.

Get them a smartphone for more mobility.

If your parent or grandparent is still using an old phone, consider investing in a smartphone. Lifewire has a handy cellphone guide for seniors that highlights the best options. The Jitterbug Smart2 features large accessible buttons, for example. The Samsung Galaxy S20 is another great pick, thanks to its large display and top-quality camera.

Once they get their phone, download apps for them. Useful tools include the Be My Eyes app, which makes it easier to read in dim light, and medical apps like Pillboxie, which helps seniors keep track of their medications. You also want to download connectivity apps, like Zoom. Take the time to teach your loved one how to use Zoom.

Get creative when you connect digitally.

Once your loved one has their connectivity tools in place, start brainstorming unique ways to maintain contact on a regular basis. Again, technology can help. For example, the two of you might pick favorite recipes to make together virtually. They don’t have to be complicated. Even preparing a small but tasty snack can add variation to your chats.

You can also watch movies together online. Tools like Netflix party and Rabbit allow you to watch the same thing at the same time from different locations. You can then discuss what you’ve watched afterward. This is a wonderful way to stay connected while removing the stress of maintaining a conversation. For seniors with cognitive decline, keeping up a chat can be tough.

Take steps to protect their online security.

From apps to tablets, the tech tools described above will allow your loved one to stay connected with the outside world. That said, there are also some risks associated with getting online. Before your senior loved one starts surfing the net, make sure they are protected against threats like identity theft. Verizon has a guide on how to stay safe, for example, by installing anti-virus software on computers.

The mention of security isn’t meant to deter you. With the right precautionary steps, you can ensure your parent or grandparent is safe online. They can then take advantage of the above senior-friendly technologies to stay in close contact with friends and family.

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