Seniors and youngsters are alike in the sense that they love using the latest tech gadgets for their daily dose of entertainment. In the line of widgets, the popular choices are smartphones and laptops. However, if you love reading, then you should add an eBook reader to your list as well. With eBook readers, you can download several books and read them on the go. Apart from reading, eBook readers can be used for a range of other purposes too, including browsing the internet.
Now, if you’re selecting an eBook reader for elderly individuals, you need to consider some important aspects, keeping in mind their physical condition.
So, to help you make the right choice among the given options in eBook readers for seniors, here we have listed some important aspects that are worth pondering over.
Important features to consider when buying an E-Reader for Seniors
Make sure to consider the following aspects when you take your pick from the available eBook reader models for your loved one.
Weight and size
The size and weight of e-readers are important considerations when purchasing such devices for seniors. The elderly groups having difficulty with fine motor control can opt for large-sized devices with big screens. Otherwise, a lightweight device would be suitable if they do not have vision troubles.
Contrast and backlight options
Among one of the most common problems that seniors suffer from is vision-linked issues. However, for such groups, you must go with e-readers with good contrast for easy reading.
Plus, you can look for models with backlights for them to read easily irrespective of light conditions.
Size of text
An advantage of e-readers over conventional books is that you can read text via large fonts. You can browse through the different models of e-readers to find the ones where the text size is adjustable to match your preferences.
Here are the 4 best eBook readers for Seniors
We have compiled a list of the 4 best ebook readers that are ideal for seniors.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
The latest Amazon Kindle Paperwhite model is a popular choice among both seniors and youngsters.
The device is easily accessible and comes with waterproof, backlighting, and easy readability features.
The Paperwhite’s 300 pixel-per-inch screen makes the screen readable even in sunlight. Also, the text size is adjustable; only go to the settings panel for making the requisite changes.
If you’re spending time by the pool, you can use the Paperwhite as well. Do not worry about the device falling into water too, for the device is waterproof and can withstand up to 200 meters of freshwater for around an hour.
And if you like listening to audiobooks, you can then also tune into your Paperwhite; the device comes with audible compatibility features. So, you can switch between the reading version and the audiobook version of the book – depending on your mood.
Where the battery of your Amazon Paperwhite is concerned, it can last for around two weeks on a single charge.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet
Amazon’s Fire HD8 is an e-reader that doubles up as a tablet, and the best part is that the device is available at economical rates. The device is mainly a tablet, and has many features from the company’s e-reader array – unlike other brands of ebook readers.
More so, the device has an in-built Kindle app which is good for reading, including font resizing options that you can adjust as per your convenience. You can also select from four varied background colors on the 8-inch HD interface; they are designed to reduce eye tiredness.
Take a Prime membership to avail a large collection of books and magazines that are available on Amazon, normally for less than the cost of the printed versions.
The voracious readers can subscribe to Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited plan at $9.99 per month, which enlarges the library by over a million books so you can read as much as you want and not pay for each title individually.
Plus, the Amazon Fire HD8 gives access to a large number of apps outside its Kindle functions. Apps for sports, email, news, and weather – you can avail them all.
More so, the battery life lasts for 10 hours so you can enjoy more media functions in-between charges.
Besides, the hands-free Alexa will find resonance with the seniors, who can use the function to listen to audiobooks, play TV shows, set reminders, among others. The tablet can be availed in four different shades, with a choice of 16 GB or 32 GB storage.
All-new Kindle Oasis
With the Kindle Oasis, you can access millions of books. Additionally, the device is customizable to suit all types of lighting conditions.
Upon darkness setting in, you have the Night mode that makes the screen yellow for easy reading. Also, you can manually adjust the ‘warmth’ level of the light as per your needs. Not only this, but also you can schedule the mode to shift during the day. Along with this function, the advanced e-ink technology can mimic the appearance of real books. The raised back of the device also makes for easy and comfortable reading.
You can use Oasis to read anywhere – including by the pool, in the bathtub or at the beach. The device has an IPX8 rating which indicates that it can withstand submersion in water up to two meters for 1 hour or so.
The standard model comes with 8GB of storage, and the 32GB model is suited for those groups who want audiobooks and do not want to worry about space.
Apple iPad
The Apple iPad is used for light browsing and playing games when at home or as a compact work tool. However, the device is also an e-reader and suitable for seniors who are looking for larger and more colorful screens than other e-reader models.
The latest base model of the iPad is available at $329 and allows the reader to read books from a host of ebook providers. These include Bookari, Google Play Books, Kindle, Apple Books, and Scribd.
The screen of the iPad measures 10.2 inches having 264 pixel-per-inch resolution. So, you can use the device for watching videos, reading, and browsing the Internet. The device weighs around one pound, which is not deemed light by e-reader standards. Yet, the device is light enough for you to hold over a long duration.
When not reading, you can use the iPad 8MP back camera for clicking photos on the go or the 1.2MP front camera to take selfies or chat with your grandchildren via FaceTime video calls. On a single charge, the device lasts for around 10 hours for you to surf the web, read e-books, and watch movies.
