Senior Technology Resources

Choosing Devices That Work for Your Comfort Level

Getting online as a senior doesn't require mastering cutting-edge technology. Different devices suit different needs, comfort levels, and lifestyles. Understanding your options helps you pick something that feels right for how you want to stay connected.

Tablets have become popular among older adults because they offer a middle ground between smartphones and computers. Devices like iPads or Samsung Galaxy Tabs feature large screens—typically 10 inches or more—that make text and images easier to see without straining your eyes. The touch screen responds to finger taps without requiring a keyboard, and many people find the basic gestures (swiping, tapping, pinching to zoom) more intuitive than a mouse and keyboard. Tablets are lightweight enough to hold in your lap while sitting in a favorite chair, and they start at reasonable price points. According to AARP research, about 32% of adults aged 50 and older own tablets, often using them specifically for video calls, reading news, and browsing photos.

Smartphones offer portability that tablets and computers cannot match. You can keep one in your pocket or purse, making it available whenever you need to reach someone or look up information. Modern smartphones have large-screen options—some now exceed 6 inches—and allow you to increase text size in settings. If you haven't used a smartphone before, starting with a basic model can reduce the overwhelming feeling of too many features. iPhone SE or standard Android phones from Samsung or Google offer straightforward interfaces without unnecessary complexity. Many people appreciate that smartphones let them stay in touch even when away from home, whether at a doctor's appointment or visiting a grandchild.

Desktop computers and laptops provide the largest screens and most keyboard space, which some seniors prefer for longer sessions of email or browsing. A desktop computer sits in one place—perhaps at a desk—and doesn't require charging. Laptops offer portability while maintaining a traditional keyboard and trackpad that feel familiar to people who used computers for work. Both types allow you to adjust text size across the entire screen through settings, and external keyboards or mice can be added if the built-in ones feel uncomfortable. The trade-off is that computers require more initial setup and troubleshooting than tablets or phones.

When choosing between these options, consider where you'll primarily use your device (home, visiting family, on outings), how long you typically use technology at one time, and what feels most natural in your hands. Many older adults find value in owning more than one device—perhaps a tablet at home for casual browsing and video calls, and a smartphone for staying in touch while out.

Practical takeaway: Visit a local electronics store and ask staff if you can spend a few minutes holding and tapping on display models. Notice which screen size feels comfortable, whether touch screens or keyboards feel more natural to you, and whether you prefer something portable or stationary.

Understanding Video Calling and Connection Tools

Seeing a grandchild's face while talking, watching a family member's reaction during a conversation, or joining a celebration from across the country has become possible through video calling. Several applications make this straightforward, and most work across different devices—meaning your family members can use different phones or computers and still connect with you.

FaceTime is built into iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. If you own an Apple device, FaceTime is already installed and ready to use. You start a call by opening the app, finding a contact, and tapping the video camera icon. The call rings on the other person's device, and when they answer, you see their face on your screen while they see yours. FaceTime also supports group calls, so you could see multiple family members at once during a holiday gathering. Because FaceTime is integrated into Apple's ecosystem, it typically works reliably without complicated setup.

Google Meet and Zoom are platform-independent applications that work on smartphones, tablets, and computers regardless of brand. Google Meet comes pre-installed on many Android devices and can be installed on iPhones or used through a web browser on any computer. Zoom has become widely used for everything from family gatherings to medical appointments. Both apps work by having one person create a meeting, then sharing a link with others. Recipients can join by clicking the link—they don't necessarily need to create an account. These applications tend to be more forgiving of different internet speeds and work well for including family members who own different types of devices.

WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype are messaging apps with built-in video calling. Many people already have these apps on their phones for texting, making video calling an extension of tools they use regularly. Facebook Messenger is particularly common among older adults since many maintain Facebook accounts. These apps often work well for one-on-one calls and may be familiar if you've used the messaging features before.

Starting a video call typically involves opening the app, locating the contact you want to call, and tapping a video icon. Most apps display your own face in a small box in the corner so you can see how you appear, and the main screen shows the other person. The technical requirements are modest: a device with a camera and microphone (most tablets and phones have these built in), an internet connection, and the app installed. Lighting matters—sitting near a window or turning on a lamp helps the other person see you clearly. Testing your camera and microphone before an important call, through the app's settings, prevents awkward moments.

Practical takeaway: Ask a family member to help you download one video calling app and practice a short call together. This removes uncertainty about whether the technology will work when you really want to connect.

Recognizing and Protecting Against Online Scams Targeting Older Adults

Scammers specifically target older adults because research shows seniors may be less familiar with online deception tactics and may be more trusting in conversation. Understanding common scams and how they work is the best protection. Awareness, combined with simple verification steps, keeps your money and personal information safe.

Tech support scams arrive as pop-up messages on your screen claiming your device has a virus or security problem. The message urges you to call a phone number immediately. In reality, these pop-ups are advertisements designed to trick you into calling a scammer. The person who answers will claim to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet company and will ask you to give them remote access to your computer "to fix the problem." Once they have access, they may steal passwords, install malware, or convince you to pay money for fake repairs. The key defense: legitimate companies never contact you first about viruses. If you see such a pop-up, close it by pressing the back button or power button on your device. Contact the actual company through a phone number on their official website or bill—never use a number from the pop-up.

Romance scams involve someone building an emotional relationship with you online, usually through social media or dating apps, then eventually asking for money. The scammer claims to need funds for travel to meet you, a family emergency, or a business investment. They may seem very interested in your life and send gifts to make the relationship feel real. Warning signs include reluctance to video chat (they'll make excuses), asking personal questions about your finances, and eventually requesting money via wire transfer or gift cards. Real romantic connections develop through meeting people in your actual community through church, hobby groups, or organized events.

Grandparent scams target emotions by impersonating a grandchild in urgent trouble. You receive a phone call or message from someone claiming to be your grandchild, saying they've been arrested, been in an accident, or need money for an emergency. They ask you to wire money immediately and beg you not to tell their parents. Scammers use this approach because urgency and emotion cloud judgment. If you receive such a call, hang up and contact your grandchild directly using a phone number you know is theirs. A real grandchild in genuine trouble will not object to you verifying their safety with their parents.

Prize and lottery scams tell you that you've won money or a gift, even though you never entered any contest. To claim your prize, you must pay taxes or fees upfront, or provide personal information to verify your identity. Legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes never ask winners to pay money to receive prizes. If you don't remember entering a drawing, you didn't win.

IRS and Social Security scams impersonate government agencies, claiming you owe back taxes or that your Social Security number has been suspended. These callers create fear by threatening arrest or benefit termination. The IRS contacts people through mail, not phone calls, and Social Security never calls about suspensions without prior written notice. When in doubt, hang up and call the