While tech-driven generations eagerly welcome new devices and technology, older generations looking to “age in place” or live in senior communities are sometimes wary of or frustrated by tech—and understandably so!
Navigating the web confidently can allow aging parents to stay more connected with their families and friends worldwide, but some risks come with being online. If you want to help your aging parents (or yourself!) navigate the internet as safely as possible, the following tips and devices can help.
Recommended Devices for Elderly People
First, we recommend some phones and tablets for aging parents. In preparing our list, we’ve prioritized the general ease of the device’s interface and overall use, the quality of the audio and calling capabilities, the text and icon organization and readability, and overall value.
Two Suggested Phones for Aging Seniors
We can confidently recommend two easy-to-use phones from Jitterbug: the Jitterbug Flip2 and the Jitterbug Smart4. The Jitterbug Flip2 is among the simplest phones anyone can get today, letting seniors use the Flip2 for basic cell phone uses like voice calls. It also sports a camera, though its photo features are somewhat limited. The Flip2 includes voice commands for smart home devices like Alexa, making it far better than the flip phones of 25 years ago! But, as it’s not a smartphone, the Flip2 has far fewer bells and whistles that many seniors need to use.
For older parents looking for a “real” smartphone, the Jitterbug Smart4 may be an ideal option. We love its basic, text-based interface and large screen that is easy for the eyes to see. Shoppers will be hard-pressed to find a smartphone with more intuitive navigation than the Smart4. It’s also among the cheapest smartphones on the market today, making it even more appealing to budget-conscious seniors. Additionally, the Smart4 offers options to turn on emergency monitoring and other safety features, providing peace of mind to seniors and their families.
Two Tablets for Aging Parents
Next, we turn to tablets, facilitating essential internet browsing and enhanced communication opportunities like video calling. Two solid options are the Grandpad and the Amazon Fire HD 8.
Built specifically with seniors in mind, the Grandpad boasts that it’s “the simplest way to connect because you get everything you need and nothing you don’t.” Its large icons are easy to locate, and the layout is intuitive. The Grandpad has all the features an older person could want in a tablet, including video calling capability, social media apps, photo storage and organization, music and videos, and even games. And as its customer service representatives are available 24/7, seniors can quickly contact Grandpad for help, reducing their reliance on their children and grandchildren for technical assistance.
Another frequently touted tablet for aging parents is the Amazon Fire HD 8. Though not specifically designed for older people like the Grandpad, Amazon’s tablet is a good fit for many seniors, as it’s a solid combination of manageable size, generous array of apps and programs, forgiving interface, and budget-oriented price. And since it’s an Amazon-related product, it syncs nicely with Alexa for voice commands.
Tips to Make the Internet and Tech Safer for Seniors
Next, we offer some tips and advice for family members concerned about their older loved ones’ online security and safety. By implementing these simple steps, seniors can enjoy the internet more confidently.
Enable Email Forwarding
One simple but effective way to reduce the risk of elderly parents succumbing to online scams and phishing is to turn on email forwarding from their email accounts to yours. Just by scanning the emails your aging loved ones receive, you can watch for phishing attempts and similar schemes—and alert aging parents before they fall into cyber criminals’ traps.
Monitoring Banking and Other Financial Accounts
Another tip you can easily employ to safeguard your aging parents online is to keep tabs on their banking and other financial accounts. This includes receiving alerts about account activity on their credit card statements or any other financial account that cybercriminals could prey on. Staying alert for seemingly strange transactions or debits from unknown merchants or companies can help stave off financial disaster early by quickly reporting the unusual activity, allowing financial services companies to rectify them.
Install Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software on Elderly Parents’ Devices
While it’s reflexively second nature to most people to install robust anti-virus software on devices that connect to the internet, this seemingly simple step is often overlooked—and not just by older people! Some excellent cybersecurity programs offer free versions of their software that may just be sufficient for your aging parent’s needs and risks. Compare the programs and assess your loved ones’ online safety and security needs. But be sure to install it and enable it on your aging parents’ devices, an essential step that is frequently forgotten—and don’t forget to keep it updated, too!
Run Software and Hardware Security Updates Regularly
Finally, though you may also need to remember to check for software and security updates on your devices, you must regularly check on your aging parents’ operating systems and security program updates! Setting monthly reminders in your calendar to check on mom’s tablet or smartphone for security updates will help keep them protected from viruses and hackers. Of course, the simplest way to stay on top of updating software is to enable automatic security and software updates, which most such programs do.
With these simple tips and easy-to-use device recommendations, you and your elderly parents can feel more assured when using S&T’s advanced broadband network. For more advice on staying safe online, follow our social pages and be sure to return to our blog, “Your Connected Life!”
