Personal technology can foster social interaction and a sense of connection, and research has shown that older adults who regularly used social media and smartphones showed a significant decrease in depression and lower stress. And tablet engagement by adults with dementia was even shown to aid in the reduction of caregiver stress.
If you’re shopping for a new tablet for your older adult, consider factors such as budget, screen size, ease of use, long battery life and accessibility features. The best tablets for seniors include apps for email and messaging, video calls, a voice assistant, photo and video sharing, music, radio and games. Below are some of the top tablets for seniors.
The Claris Companion stands out in the senior tablet market because of its flexibility, price, ease of use and functionality for family members to configure outside apps and medication reminders on its Android operating system. Claris offers 24/7 customer support and a 30-day, money-back guarantee. It comes with a stylus and a protective case that doubles as a stand and is available in three configurations:
- 10.5-inch tablet (Wi-Fi only) – $299 + $29/month
- 8.7-inch tablet (4G/LTE plan included) – $299 + $49/month
- Claris Companion app for your own Android tablet – $29/month
“The [Claris] tablet has given my family a chance to connect with my mom during challenging times. We stayed in touch with her daily while she transitioned into new living arrangements (something she feared most of her life). The tablet has been instrumental, and Claris customer support has been wonderful.”
Quote from a real user
Pro tip: Use the gift code SEASONS for free shipping when you order.
GrandPad leads in the senior-friendly social technology space. The company’s customer support will work with you to make sure your loved one’s new device is ready right out of the box, even going so far as to ensure the box and all its components are easy to open. The device prevents interaction outside of trusted contacts and websites, keeping the older adult safer online, and its 24/7 customer service is highly rated and accessible at the touch of a button.
The GrandPad comes as an 8-inch tablet with a sturdy case, convenient charging stand and a stylus. A 4G/LTE plan is included, so reliable Wi-Fi is never a worry. Subscription options include:
- Annual prepaid subscription (free shipping and setup) – $65/month
- Monthly subscription – $89/month ($29 shipping and setup)
Shop from GrandPad or from Amazon.
“I only wish we had tried GrandPad sooner. It has made all the difference keeping us connected with our mother in assisted living. She has zero experience with smartphones or devices, but she took to this immediately.”
Quote from a real user
Pro tip: Register for a demo webinar to learn more and receive a discount after you attend.
Oscar Family is unique in its ability to provide the best senior-friendly features at a significantly lower price point. It’s a standalone app that can be downloaded and installed on any Android, iOS or iPadOS device. Use it with your Apple iPad, Apple iPad mini or an Android tablet of your choice. Oscar Family does not offer tech support beyond email and the app must be configured by a tech-savvy family member, but the freedom to bring your own device and connect up to three family members for only $10/month is appealing. Up to 10 family members can connect for only $190/year, a huge savings over the competition.
Download on Google Play or Download on App Store
Like all Apple products, the Apple iPad 9th Generation (2021) features built-in security, intuitive touchscreen functions, Siri voice assistant and a speedy processor. At 10.2 inches, the 9th Generation’s screen is large and its front camera with Center Stage allows for improved video calling, keeping the subject in the frame. The 9th Generation is the last iPad with a Home button and a headphone jack, which many users find easier than Bluetooth accessories.
For those who want a lightweight tablet, Apple’s iPad mini might be a more portable choice. And extremely tech-savvy users will enjoy the powerful computing capabilities of the Apple iPad Pro or iPad Air. The Apple Pencil is a fun add-on for coloring book or writing apps. All iPads vary in storage capacity and come with either Wi-Fi only or with Wi-Fi plus cellular connectivity.
If your loved one has access to reliable Wi-Fi, Amazon’s Fire HD 10 is a budget tablet that excels in social media and entertainment. It offers a bright large screen display, Octa-core processor and a longer battery life. A family member can enable Alexa and configure the system to receive drop-in calls—eliminating the need for your loved one to answer if you need to get in touch with them. Folks with impaired mobility will also find Alexa voice commands helpful as a hands-free method of operating the system. The tablet allows users to access Kindle eBooks, browse the web, watch streaming videos and more.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A7 is another lower-cost option that runs the Octa-core processor on the Android platform. It’s thin and lightweight with an 8.7-inch screen, which might be easier for aging hands. A cellular plan (AT&T, T-Mobile or UScellular) might be best for making and receiving regular and video calls, but it comes as Wi-Fi only, too. Reviewers applaud the unit’s display quality, sound and budget-friendly price.
If your loved one is used to a PC and looking for a complete desktop experience, the Surface Go 2 offers all the robust features of Windows in a portable size. It’s fast, light and bright with a large-screen full HD display. Accessories such as a keyboard, mouse, speakers and monitor are available as add-ons.