Top 5 Tech Gadgets for Senior Citizens

Technology is becoming more and more complex, which makes it hard to keep up with. Senior citizens, who did not grow up with the current technology, may find it difficult to choose tech gadgets that are easy to use. In this article, we picked our favorite tech gadgets for seniors based on usability, style, design and practicality.

Apple iPad 16GB (Link) $500

I recently purchased an Apple 64GB iPad in place of a Windows based netbook. The 16GB iPad features 16GB of storage (about 2,000 songs), 1GHz processor, high-resolution screen and a 10-hour battery. If you don't know what these tech specs mean, don't worry. The device is perfect for surfing the internet, reading newspapers (some require a paid subscription), playing games, listening to music, watching videos and storing all your favorite pictures of the family. To determine if this device is great for senior citizens I allowed my grandfather (71) to try out the device, he found it easy to use and thought it was a great product. The brilliance behind the iPad is that it combines your laptop, e-reader and iPod into one device. We are recommending the 16GB version because it provides plenty of space for most users, and is the least expensive model. The device is displayed at most Best Buy retail stores and Apple stores, which allow testing before purchase.

Kindle 6" e-reader (Link) $189

The Kindle e-reader from Amazon is a moderately priced e-book and magazine reader. The reader features a 16-level gray scale display, which reduces glare in direct sunlight. The gray scale display looks very similar to that of a real book or newspaper print, thus making it easy to read. The device has 2GB of memory for downloading hundreds of books, magazines and newspapers. The Kindle made our list because it is incredibly easy to use, smaller than most paperback books, affordable and has a battery life that lasts up to one week between charges. The device also comes with preloaded free wireless for downloading books and content without the use of a computer.

Pantech Breeze II (Link) $19.99 with contract

Cell phones these days are extremely complex and rival that of most personal and tablet computers. When you are looking for something that is easy to use, has some bonus features and is primarily a phone, then the Pantech Breeze II is the perfect product for you. The phone comes pre-equipped with 3G voice and data speeds, 1.3MP camera, web browser and much more. The flip design also makes the phone safer from scratches and damage. Overall, this phone does what it is supposed to, and that is to make calls without a bunch of little buttons for sending messages getting in the way.

Nintendo Wii Game System (Link) $199

The Wii is an interactive game system from Nintendo that allows you to be part of the action. Popular games such as Wii Sports, Mario Kart Wii and many more are all very simple to play and lots of fun. This game system made our list because it is great for beginner and is the perfect system for use with the grandchildren. However, you may find yourself playing with it more than they do.

LG 55" LED HDTV (Link) $2,499

My family recently purchased this LG TV for the family room. This flat screen large TV is the first flat screen HDTV we have ever owned and is arguably one of the best on the market for the price range. The picture resolution paired with a Blu-ray player makes watching movies similar to that of a home theater. Watching sports in HD on this huge screen is also a great luxury. The picture quality is crystal clear; device is moderately easy to set up and is a slim 1-1/4" thick. Set-up can be avoided as retail companies, such as Best Buy, provide set-up for a small fee. Overall, if you are recently retired and want to kick back and watch TV the way it was meant to be watched then this TV is the right choices for you.

Sources:

Personal experience with these devices