Finding a tech gift for a senior is not as difficult as you think. Read on to discover the best tech gifts for seniors here.
You love your parents and grandparents, so what better way to show your appreciation than by getting them the perfect gift.
Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done for someone who’s had an entire lifetime to collect things. What do you get for the older adult who can’t think of anything else they need?
When you’re struggling to find a present they don’t already have, your best bet is to look in the world of tech. There are plenty of easy-to-use gadgets out there that can make their lives simpler and more enjoyable.
Here are seven useful tech gifts for seniors that already have it all.
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1. Electric Jar Opener
Experts estimate that 54 million adults in the United States (22% of the population) have some form of arthritis. When you look at the senior population, that number jumps to 50%. That means half of all seniors will experience joint pain that makes it hard to do small tasks we take for granted.
If your loved one has arthritis in their hands, preparing food is likely a lot more difficult than it used to be. Give them a boost in the kitchen with an electric jar opener. This gadget holds the lid of a jar and twists it off at the push of a button—no knives, hot water, or rubber grips needed.
2. Smart Thermostat
If there’s one thing American dads love, it’s yelling at their kids who try to touch the thermostat. While it may have been annoying to suffer a chilly house when we were young, most of us now understand the value of saving energy.
Getting your parents a smart thermostat makes it easier than ever to keep the electric bill to a minimum. These thermostats can be set to certain temperatures at different times of the day, reducing energy usage when people are sleeping or out of the house.
3. Robotic Vacuum
Like preparing food, cleaning also gets more difficult as we age. One of the hardest tasks for many elderly people is lugging around a giant vacuum cleaner.
Save your loved one the trouble by gifting them a robotic vacuum. While Roombas are still a leader in the market, there’s a myriad of other options to choose from these days. Not only will your loved one’s floors be cleaner than ever, but they just might find themselves bonding with the little round robot.
4. Simple Tablet
Does your grandmother complain that there are never enough books at the library? Is your father sad that you don’t call him enough? In either of these situations, a simple tablet makes a fantastic gift.
For those who only want to use their tablet as an e-reader, the Kindle Paperwhite is a good option. The screen on this device looks like a piece of paper, reducing eye strain when using it for long amounts of time. You can also modify the font size and style for those who prefer large print books.
If you want a more versatile device, look into the iPad Pro. This device will let your loved one easily Facetime, send messages, check emails, and browse the internet from the comfort of their armchair.
5. Versatile Tablet Stand
Now that your loved one has a tablet for reading or video chatting, why not make it ergonomic for them to use with a stand?
When you’re going through your Kindle or iPad Pro stand options, try to find one that’s lightweight, stable, and easy to set up. It also shouldn’t take much strength to insert and remove the tablet from the stand. The style of stand you choose will be different if the tablet will be used mostly on a table or from their lap.
6. Friendship Bracelet 2.0
Long-distance relationships are hard to maintain, especially when it’s with a senior who isn’t too keen on communicating via technology. But even if they refuse to pick up a cell phone, there’s an easy way to send them a quick indicator that you’re thinking of them.
Relationship gadgets like the Bond Touch tap bracelet come in pairs. You give one half to the recipient and keep the other for yourself. When you want to let them know you’re thinking of them, give your bracelet a tap and they’ll feel a vibration on their end.
If your loved one isn’t into bracelets, there’s a whole host of similar gadgets out there. You can choose between lamps that light up when tapped, rings that transmit heartbeats, and even shirts that let you send a long-distance hug. While most of these devices are designed for romantic partners, most grandparents on the other side of the country would love to know when their grandkids are thinking of them.
7. Keyring Finder
Small memory lapses are common as we age, but when you’re constantly losing your wallet or keys, they get frustrating quickly. If your loved one is always late because they were searching under the couch cushions, it’s time to get them an electronic key finder.
These devices attach to items people tend to misplace, like a ring of keys, wallet, or pair of glasses. Connect the device to a smartphone app and you can use a Bluetooth signal to play a loud sound from the lost item, helping you find it faster.
What happens if you have your keys, but can’t find your phone? Key finders like Tile let you press a button on the device and make your cellphone ring, even if it’s in silent mode.
These Tech Gifts for Seniors Are Great for Any Occasion
If you find yourself struggling to come up with a holiday present for your mom or your grandfather’s birthday, we have your back. Pick up one of these great tech gifts for seniors and watch their eyes get as wide as a kid in a candy shop.
Looking for more tech insight and gift ideas? Make sure to check out the other articles on our site to keep yourself informed.
