My step-father phoned today for our weekly check-in. He had splurged and felt a bit guilty.  What did he buy? A high definition (HD) television.

Sympathizing, I asked what had happened to his old one. “There wasn’t anything in particular wrong with it. It was 15 years
old and technology has really moved along.”

Advances in technology mean it may be time for older adults to inventory their technology devices. 

While the Swiss Army knife approach works for students, older adults often prefer individual items that do a particular task simply without a variety of bells and whistles.

Phone

For most older adults, a telephone is simply for making and receiving calls. Therefore, ease of dialing and crisp quality sound receive high marks. It may be challenging to use a phone with a standard typewriter keyboard, also known as a QWERTY keyboard, depending on how dexterous one's thumbs and fingers are.

Television

Sharp and clear picture are foremost. A large screen size is also welcome.  These allow for improved viewing of weather channels, sporting events, or really just about anything. If you can get a remote with well-defined large buttons, you’ve got a great combination to make this “window on the world” readily accessible.

eReader

The previous splurge my step-father made was for an eReader. Discovering that he could get the newest titles by his favorite authors and pay less than the price of the hardback made his day. He adjusts the size of the text to suit him. He favors a screen size larger than his phone and the weight of a paperback book. He’s polishing off the latest bestsellers at a good clip, and he happily keeps his eReader near his favorite chair.

Laptop

Three options to include are a wireless card. a camera, and a multi-function printer. The wireless card allows you to stay connected to the Internet when you move from one location to another, assuming you have a wireless network in your home. The camera enriches phone calls with family and friends by allowing you to see as well as hear those with whom you're talking.

Free Internet-based video chat services, such as Skype, are perfect for these visits. Printing, copying, faxing, and scanning are available in multi-function devices.

Geographic Positioning System (GPS)

Take one worry off everyone’s plate and put a permanent navigator in the passenger seat of the car. A stationary in-vehicle GPS is one
option. An alternative is a subscription service which offers real-time conversation between the driver and an operator who provides directions to specific locations.

Next week? Well-stocked Diaper Bag: Technology Devices for the Youngest Among Us