The growth of technology in our lifetime would be unbelievable except we saw it happen. Computers went from something only a scientist would use to something everyone has access to. Everything we use has an element of technology now, even toothbrushes. Many times seniors get comfortable with what they know and never look into the new things in the store and tech trends pass by unnoticed (and sometimes un missed!). Here are a few new things that if you don’t already have they are very worth a look.
Tablets For Seniors
Tablets – these are the ‘new’ thing in the past few years and it is not just the iPad. Many different companies make tablets but they all have a few things in common; they are all slim and easy to transport and if you are using a computer to mostly browse the internet and check mail a tablet can replace your computer for a fraction of the price. One very nice feature on a tablet is that most offer the pinch (two fingers sliding together like a pinch) or reverse pinch (fingers sliding open) to zoom in and out on any text. This makes reading the fine print on any website easy. Tablets can combine many fun things into one spot; reading, crosswords, newspapers, e-mail. You can even use it as a tool for tracking medications – there truly is an App for just about anything you can think of.
Webcam for Seniors
Webcam – With the average family spread over to states we need to use all the tools we can to stay in touch. Webcam’s used to be clunky accessories for your PC but now they are integrated into many laptops, tablets, and smart phones. Once you have contacts it is usually just the touch of a button to video call someone. Imagine being able to read your grandchild a book every night or ‘eat’ dinner together. The technology is easy and inexpensive to use with wireless internet. The only thing you should worry about with video chat is that they can see if you are having a bad hair day but on the flip side, they can also tell you how nice you look.
E-reader – All tablets (and smart phones) have the ability to be an e-reader BUT there are e-readers that are only for reading and do not do the other functions of a tablet and are under $100. The E-reader earns a place on the list for a few reasons;
- They are easier to read text on then a tablet.
- They are lighter then your average hard cover so if you have stiff hands they are easier to use.
- “Turning” pages is just a tap on the right side of the screen, easier then a book for those with hand pain.
- The ultimately adjustable large print books. On an E-reader there is a simple setting (usually on the bottom of the screen) to increase the text size and most will remember your preference .
There are dozens more nifty toys/tools so hopefully if you have been holding out on technology you can see the value in these products. They make life easier, they bring you things or people you enjoy, and they are getting easier, less expensive, and more intuitive daily.