Tablets aren’t just for kids and commuters—they’re an excellent tool for seniors. In fact, you may be surprised how many ways an older individual can use an iPad on a daily or weekly basis (and perhaps even more importantly, how easily many seniors adapt to using one). There are even accessibility functions that can help seniors with hearing issues, vision loss or blindness.
Tech has come a long way, and it makes sense to make the most of it. Here are three ways an iPad or similar device can be of benefit to seniors. If you’d like to learn more about how our Personal Support Workers (PSWs) can help your aging loved one live safely and independently in their own home, please contact us. We’d be pleased to answer any questions you may have and offer a personalized quote.
Brain games
Brain games are activities that challenge, stimulate and exercise your brain. As Forbes shared, research indicates that “brain exercises helped older adults maintain reasoning skills and speed of cognition 10 years after the research period came to an end.” While brain games won’t prevent a condition like Alzheimer’s, they can keep seniors feel sharp, improve quality of life and help develop new synapses. Plus, they’re often engaging and fun!
Common examples of brain games include chess, Sudoku and crossword puzzles, but there are many ways to use an iPad to make these games convenient and accessible to seniors. Try online versions of traditional games, like chess or bridge, or newer options like June’s Journey. There are plenty of word games Scrabble and Wordle, plus math games, online puzzles and trivia challenges. As noted in the same Forbes article, “Luminosity, Cognifit, Sharpbrains, BrainHQ and others provide free brain games daily—and many more for people willing to pay for a subscription—that challenge memory, attention and concentration skills.”
Entertainment
Feeling winter blues on the horizon, or perhaps everyday boredom has got your aging loved one feeling down? Let’s tackle it head on. Isolation is a serious health risk and seniors need human connection, personal care support and entertainment to keep them engaged and content. While iPads won’t replace real life interaction, they can definitely help fill the time in between. Tablets can be used to read books (in large print, when necessary!) or watch movies. They can store music and family photos, or be used to keep up with the news. You can also download audiobooks and podcasts—both excellent options for seniors. Load them up with whatever your aging loved one is interested in, and they’ll have something to keep them occupied between family and caregiver visits.
Staying in touch
There are endless ways to use an iPad to communicate including FaceTime calls, using WhatsApp or other messaging services, sending emails or logging onto a Zoom call with your loved ones. Many seniors are more than capable of handling these apps with some practice—or, if this isn’t possible, our caregivers can help clients navigate them.
Using a tablet to maximize communication is a simple, effective way to keep your loved ones nearby—and there are added benefits if doctors or other parts of your support system communicate through these channels. Consider using the tablet for organizational purposes, too—for example, a shared journal for caregivers or a calendar that’s accessible to family and Living Assistance Services staff. These small, proactive measures can reduce a family’s stress while ensuring their loved one is well cared for at all times.
Thanks for reading, and please reach out with any feedback or questions you may have. Our skilled, dedicated team is available by phone or email.