Choosing Devices for Seniors this Holiday

Key Things to Know Before You Shop

It’s that time of year again! There are tons of great deals on new devices, but when it comes to choosing a new piece of tech for a senior citizen, you should consider more than just specs. We’ve put together a handy list of things to keep in mind while shopping for the older adult in your life this holiday season:

1. What are their needs?   

Consider the types of activities the user will need the device for. Do they order prescription medication digitally? Do they need a good navigation program? Do they need a strong wireless connection, or are they typically within range of a Wi-Fi connection? Choosing a device based on what they actually need will greatly reduce any learning curves and frustration.   

2. How tech-savvy are they?   

Our smart devices are often multifunctional, serving as alarm clocks, maps, entertainment, and more. However, some users may be limited by their abilities and must choose a certain type of device. For instance, many people use e-readers because arthritis makes it painful to hold heavy books, but that doesn't mean they’re ready for a top-of-the-line Samsung tablet. On the other hand, many seniors have had smart devices for years now and may be quite adaptable. You should have an honest conversation with the seniors in your life (or their primary caregivers) about their comfort level with technology before choosing a new device.  

3. Will this reduce their cost of living?   

Sometimes, getting a smart device can end up saving money in the long run. With digital library services, such as Hoopla and Kanopy, which offer books and video streaming, smart devices can be an easy way to cut costs on entertainment. Users who like to take lots of photos and videos will probably need more storage, so consider whether physical memory (i.e., SD cards) or cloud storage will work best within their limited income.  

4. Can you help them after the holidays?  

If you are readily available to help the user when questions arise, there is quite a bit of leeway available when choosing devices. On the other hand, if they will largely be on their own after receiving the device, you may want to ensure that they can navigate the device on their own. You can even get them started with some of the library’s free tech instruction through Northstar Digital Learning, Digitallearn.org, or the Learning Express Library. All three of these resources have videos and articles with pictures that can help anyone become more digitally literate.  

5. Is it compatible?   

Make sure to choose a device that either matches what the user is already used to or a device that you own. If the user already has an account with Apple or Windows, you’ll likely want to continue using that, rather than setting up a new account within a different system. Similarly, if you choose a device that matches yours, such as an Apple or Android phone, it will make it a bit easier to help the user troubleshoot or share files with you. In the case of smart TVs, make sure that all of their favorite apps can be accessed before making a final purchase.  

Gifting a new device is always an exciting event, but it can quickly become a disaster if the end user can’t figure out how to make it work. Make everyone happy this holiday by considering these important factors before you get wrapping! 

Need a Second Opinion?

If you’d like more buying support, be sure to check out Consumer Reports. Their unbiased reviews, holiday gift guides, and coverage of senior-focused tech can help you make a confident choice. You can find Consumer Reports and our other digital literacy databases in our Online Library A-Z list.