Tablets are becoming more and more popular with older adults, but not all tablets are equally valuable or accessible. Here’s our list of the best tablets for the elderly, covering the pros and cons of each one, so you can make an informed decision about which device will work best in your life. We’ll also point out some tips to help you use your tablet most effectively so that it can keep serving you well into old age.
GrandPad
This tablet runs a full version of Windows and has a 10.1-inch screen, which is excellent for those who want to use it as a laptop. The keyboard and stylus are detachable, and you can also connect to external keyboards and mice via Bluetooth. It’s an all-in-one device that runs full PC software without any sacrifices or gimmicks, making it very easy to use for the elderly.
Apple iPad Pro 9.7
If you’re looking for a tablet that offers both productivity and entertainment, Apple’s iPad Pro 9.7 is arguably the best option for many elderly. The device comes with an excellent multitasking interface, which allows you to switch between apps quickly. If you need some help getting started, call on Siri, Apple’s built-in digital assistant. With her help, using iPad Pro 9.7 becomes second nature in no time at all!
Kindle Fire HD
Kindle Fires are great for aging adults, offering familiar interfaces in an easy-to-use package. With 16GB of storage and support for thousands of apps, Kindle Fire HD is a solid choice, especially for less technically inclined users. Additionally, it’s also easy to share content between devices with Amazon’s Whispersync technology. While Android has proven helpful in some cases for assistive software that reads menus or alerts about dangers or traffic issues, older users may find it harder to use. Kindle fires solve that problem by providing big buttons on their simple interface. They also offer guided tutorials to help you adjust settings or set up email, so everything feels familiar right away.
Microsoft Surface Go
When it comes to tablets, nothing tops Microsoft’s Surface Go. Like other Surface models, you can snap on a Type Cover for an actual laptop experience. But unlike its siblings, the Go only costs $399 and weighs less than two pounds, making it super portable. Plus, unlike many other Windows tablets, it has excellent battery life: 10 hours. It also includes a USB-C port for charging and connecting to an external monitor or projector, making it perfect for work presentations and older folks who aren’t keen on all those dongles. And thanks to its Intel Pentium Gold processor and 4GB of RAM, it runs smoother than most budget laptops too.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A is a solid tablet for people who need something simple to take notes, read emails, and browse social media. Its 7-inch screen is a good size for people with lower vision. The tablet has a quad-core processor and 1.5GB of RAM, so it’s powerful enough to run apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Netflix and light enough that it won’t strain wrists or fingers after prolonged use. It runs Android Oreo, an older version of Android but still offers most of Google’s most popular services.
Apple iPad mini
The mini is Apple’s small, lightweight iPad. It uses iOS 8 and connects to cellular networks. The 7.9-inch screen is excellent for browsing or reading, and the elderly can use dozens of apps, including many memory game options, or health and fitness applications.
