Our grandparents are not the most tech-savvy people in the world, but they still deserve to have a smart device so that we can connect with them often. If you're considering buying them a smartphone, you need to make sure that they would be comfortable with it. Here are factors you should look into.
Stack of digital tablets and smartphones, close-up - stock photo
1. Screen Size
There's a reason why a lot of seniors wear glasses to help with their eyesight. We tend to lose clear vision the more we get old. That means it would be more difficult to read small letters on a small screen. Having a large screen will not only feature a bigger display, but it might be easier for them to navigate between apps too.
2. Bigger Buttons
Most phone models no longer have home buttons at the bottom of the screen, but if you do find one that still has it, that would be preferable. The same should apply to other buttons as well such as the power button and the volume. Smaller buttons might be harder to find or press for others, and that can be especially true for our grandparents.
3. Uncomplicated User Interface
We have already established that most seniors aren't as adept with technology as the younger generations, so having a smartphone that has a complicated interface might just discourage them from using it. Some are simpler than others, with icons that show clear indication of what they are for.
4. Loud Speakers
Just as the eyesight starts to get blurry, grandparents may not have the hearing abilities they once had. With that said, you need a phone with a loud speaker so they can hear better when you speak through the phone, or when they're watching videos they like. These specifications are usually mentioned in the phone's features.
5. Emergency SOS Feature
We want to care for our grandparents as they have made our childhoods better in so many ways. Unfortunately, we can't always be there to watch over them, so the next best thing is to give them a device that can call for help whenever they need it. Most phones already have this, but some include additional features like sending their location automatically.
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6. Voice Assistant
A virtual assistant within the phone can be useful, especially if they still have issues with navigating the apps and the system. Through voice commands, they can have the phone do what they need without lifting a finger, such as calling loved ones, playing music, or asking about the weather for the day.
7. Battery Life
There's a chance that your grandparents won't be using the phone as much, meaning that it will be a while before the phone needs charging. However, it would still be better of they don't have to do it often. Having a longer battery life means that you can also speak with them longer, which will surely be appreciated by them.
8. Storage Space
There are a lot of free apps that can help make seniors' lives better like scheduling apps, messaging apps, healthcare apps, and more. You can only download so much with a phone that has little space. Having a bigger storage space means that they can also take more pictures and create wonderful new memories.
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