Like youngsters, seniors need their daily dose of entertainment too. And the lightweightedness of tablets is ideal for them for sharing photos, browsing the internet and, in general, staying connected. Tablets are also user-friendly for the elderly groups because they are more streamlined as compared to laptops and have larger screens than smartphones.
With tablets, tech-savvy seniors can keep up with trending topics while the less-experienced lot does not have to study manuals for operating their devices.
With more seniors joining the technology bandwagon, tracking the benefits of using tablets among them is easy.
Using tablets, seniors can connect with family and friends via social media and video chats. Also, apps help seniors and their caretakers to maintain a record of medications and health check-ups.
The text-size and brightness of tablets are also adjustable, whereby, the seniors can play games and read to remain mentally active.
Buying guide for tablets for seniors
Tablets contain varied features as compared to laptops
Both desktop units and laptops have similar computing power. Only laptops are portable and lightweight than desktops. Conversely, tablets perform only some functions of laptops.
Tablets are suitable if you intend to play online games, or surf the internet, or browse websites, or check your social media accounts. Though, you may require laptops to work on large spreadsheets and photo-editing applications.
Tablets have touchscreens for getting inputs
Tablets do not come with accessories such as mouse and keyboard. So, if you want a conventional setup, you can add these accessories later on. Also, you have the option of purchasing a stylus – a pen-shaped device that you can use to write, type, or tap on the screen.
Tablets connect to the web via WiFi or 3G network
For tablets that connect to 3G networks, you have to cough up an extra monthly fee for accessing the internet via a smartphone.
Tablets operate differently than laptops
While both desktops and laptops use operating systems, tablets use technology which is similar to smartphones. The performance of tablets is more comparable to souped-up smartphones than computers.
Tablets provide a wide assortment of screen resolutions and sizes
When choosing a tablet, you should test all the available models and, then, go with the ones that serve your purpose best. Generally, you must opt for tablets with the largest screens to make reading and surfing easier.
Which are the best tablets for Seniors?
Here, we have listed the best tablets for seniors.
Apple iPad Pro 9.7
Often, Apple devices receive criticism for their simple-to-use features. However, this is precisely why they are adjudged the best gadgets for seniors. Apple’s iPad 9.7 is considered best for elderly people because of their snappy interface, striking a fine balance between portability and size.
More so, the device comes with True Tone technology that conforms to your surroundings by transcribing the white balance, which causes the images to pop and makes text easier to read when used in combination with its brightness features.
This device is Apple’s most affordable tablet and usable with an Apple pencil and official keyboard wrap. So, if you’re looking to write emails occasionally or chatting on messenger, it makes for a good option, without you having to tab uncomfortably on iPad’s glass display.
Kindle Fire HD
The Kindle Fire HD is deemed Amazon’s most affordable tablet, which makes it a viable solution who seniors working on a budget. Its two main versions are the Fire HD and the Fire HD 10, having 8-inch and 10-inch screens respectively. Plus, they both come complete HD resolution benefits.
Though the screen is not as sharp as the other available tablets in the market, yet it renders the screen crisp enough so users can read easily. Moreover, the Fire HD 8 is portable and comfortable if you want to read Kindle books.
The Fire HD also boasts of Alexa, which is Amazon’s built-in personal assistant. As such, seniors will find this application useful if they do not want to touch the screens frequently. Alexa comes handy when you’re looking to open apps, search the internet, know about the weather, among other functions.
Apple’s Siri is capable of the same functions but is not available at a similar price.
Microsoft Surface Go
Microsoft’s affordable Surface tablet is the Surface Go, which is suitable for seniors who want a desktop computer experience at economical rates. The device is equipped with Windows 10, which allows users to install a wide array of apps. Also, you can doodle the screen via Microsoft’s magnetic Surface pen.
The tablet is convertible and comes with an appealing display that will not pose problems for aging eyes. And coupled with efficient speakers and inbuilt webcam, you can enjoy watching movies on the device.
The webcam permits users to log into Windows via Windows Hello face recognition feature, which is beneficial for seniors because they then do not have to repetitively key in passwords.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A
For seniors who are looking for a small-sized Android-powered tablet, this device which boasts of a good camera and power-packed processor and robust build is recommended. Plus, the device runs Android 9 Pie, which means that the patrons can receive the latest updates for a year at least.
The tablet was introduced in early 2019 and is a competitor to the iPad mini. Though the device is not as competitive on several fronts, yet it does have an alluring 1920 * 1200 pixel resolution display. Additionally, it is compatible with Samsung’s S-Pen, which offers the same note-taking and drawing qualities of the company’s collection of Note smartphones.
Apple iPad mini
The iPad mini is the most pocketable tablet available, due to which it rates high on portability. However, this device is costly and priced higher than Apple’s 9.7- inch model.
Besides, its smaller 7.9-inch interface size is not suitable for magnifying text and other screen features and does not render them easy to read. Even so, there are some things that this small-yet-powerful iPad cannot perform even with its stupefying list of specifications that lurk beneath the hood.
Yet, its battery life is good while running up to 10 hours determined by the task.
