Maintaining contact with friends and family is important for mental well-being. As we age, routine activities or traveling is more of a challenge. Being cut off from communication with others can also be deleterious to physical health, for seniors recovering from or at risk of injury. The need to quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic has made the challenges of isolation even greater for many older adults. Happily, there are affordable and user-friendly tech-communication options for seniors to stay in touch with family members and stay in tune with their communities. Let’s look at some of the best tech options for seniors to stay connected.

A good smartphone is probably your best all-around tech-communication option.

Gone are the days when letters and phone conversations were our only way to stay in touch, but a personal phone call is still the preferred way to communicate for many older adults. Even if you find a flip phone adequate to your needs, upgrading to a smartphone will give you the opportunity to explore many additional ways to keep in contact, while still allowing you to call up friends and family the old-fashioned way.

If you are experiencing diminished mobility or issues with eyesight, research senior-friendly devices that will be easier to manipulate. While newer smartphones sometimes come with hefty price tags, you can probably find one that will fit your budget if you look for discounts and close-outs and utilize tools for price comparison.

Try a tablet for a larger screen and added perks.

Think of a tablet as a cross between a laptop and a cell phone. While still compact enough to be easily portable, a tablet’s larger screen can be easier on the eyesight. This offers a more pleasurable viewing experience than a smartphone. Tablets hold their charge longer than laptops, too. The major downside of a tablet, in comparison with a smartphone, is that most do not have a voice-calling option. This is less of an issue for seniors who are more comfortable with other communication methods, such as Zoom or other video chat apps.

Are trying to decide between a laptop and a tablet? Keep in mind the former has a larger screen and a more manageable keyboard. However, it will almost certainly be pricier.

For optimal viewing and more computing options, consider a laptop.

For those who already are tuned into the computing world, a good laptop offers an array of communication options on top of other uses, including word processing and even gaming. Even if you aren’t interested in a laptop’s other functions, it might be your best communication option. Especially if you prefer the larger screen or are less at ease with smaller devices.

When shopping for a laptop, price is an important consideration, but also keep in mind such specifications as portability, a well-rated operating system for smooth running, and decent storage for saving family photos and videos. Also, find a laptop that holds its charge well. Otherwise, you may find yourself constantly moving around to recharge the battery.

Facebook is probably the most popular social media platform for seniors. There are options for sharing articles, viewing photos, and its messenger app has a video chat option. Facebook provides a wealth of opportunities for keeping up with loved ones. But check out other sites as well. Seniors who are interested in staying on top of the news cycles or keeping up with celebrities might enjoy Twitter. Instagram, on the other hand, is great for viewing photos and following influencers for ideas on crafts and products. Familiarizing yourself with social media as a tech-communication option can really open a lot of doors.

Especially if you will be using social media on shared devices, it’s important to keep your passwords secure. Check out our article on how to remember your passwords for tips on creating good passwords and keeping track of them afterward. If trying to manage a lot of different devices and keep up with different apps or sites is giving you a headache, look to our site for other tips on keeping your tech organized, so you can keep your focus on what matters: friends, family, and the connections you have with your community.

*Written by Organize Technology’s newest author, Libby Howell.