Tablets are among essential mobile devices that people can use effectively, including seniors. They are versatile and easy to use. With their compact form factor and large touchscreen display, seniors should be able to use this device effectively. iPad is often the first model that we consider when we want to purchase laptop. However, there are also various Android tablet models that are capable as well. For ease of use, seniors should use larger tablets, preferably with display bigger than 7-inch. Some mobile apps are also designed for seniors, with larger interface elements that are easier to see and touch. This is particularly true for seniors who already have declining eyesight. It is also a good idea to use tablets that allow bigger fonts to be displayed throughout the interface and the size of the icons can also be made bigger. Family members should help seniors to choose mobile apps that are more appropriate for elderly in terms of functionality, visuals and ease of use. This should be a pretty simple task to do.
After a short period of usages, many seniors will find that tablets are appealing in different ways. As an example, seniors can choose mind games for their tablets to maintain their cognition capability and prevent Alzheimer’s disease or similar cognitive issues. It is also good for old retirees to feel engaged and entertained, which will also boost their psychological situations. After searching for a little while, it should be very easy to find multiple games for seniors. If seniors are feeling entertained, caregivers could also get a little break. Tablets can also allow seniors to become socially engaged. They could reconnect with old friends in social media, text message and instant messaging, regardless of their locations. They will be able to share experience, new updates and opinions. Positive social engagement will allow elderly feel happier and more relaxed. When choosing tablets, it is important that seniors won’t need to undergo steep learning curve. In many cases, elderly already have some understanding with computers and mobile phones. If seniors already own a smartphone before, there is almost no learning curve that they need to go through.
In some cases, seniors can have limited physical capability and this limits their capability quite significantly. If the eyesight is already quite poor, then it is better for them to listen to audiobooks, instead of reading ebooks. If they have hearing problems, it is a good idea to invest on a good headset, because the internal speaker may not be loud enough for them. In many cases, elderly may already have cognition and mental issues, so they need to use the most simplistic interface. Mind games can help to improve their conditions, but we should start with simplest games that can stimulate their brain. After playing these mind games for months, we could see increases in mental functions, depending on other factors. If the game is too complex, elderly could be frustrated easily and this is not a good situation for their mental condition. After seniors have improved cognition, we may choose more complex games, such as matching, puzzle and Sudoku.
