Best Computers for Older Adults in 2023

As we move further into the digital age, it’s becoming increasingly important for older adults to stay up-to-date with technology.

Computers can seem daunting and complicated, but they don’t have to be! However, for older adults, there are some special considerations that need to be taken into account when choosing the ideal computer. Key factors include ease of use, features, and budget. 

In this post, we recommend our top picks for the best computers for older adults and explore essential considerations when making a purchase.

Best Computer for Older Adults

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, we’ve chosen some of the most popular computer models for older generations:

1. Apple Macbook Air

2. Dell Inspiron 15 3000

3. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5

We take a look at some of the pros and cons of each of these options below.

1. Apple Macbook Air

The first computer on our list is the Apple Macbook Air. This all-in-one computer is a great option for older adults because it has a large, 13-inch, HD screen, and is very user-friendly. It’s lightweight at 2.8 pounds and has a long battery life of 15–18 hours. The Macbook Air comes with a built-in camera (although not the best quality), microphone, and speaker, so users will be able to enjoy video chats with family and friends and attend online meetings and appointments. It also has a variety of built-in ports so users can easily connect external devices, such as a printer or scanner. Macs tend to have a fairly high price tag, although you might be able to find a deal around the holidays. Overall, the Macbook Air is a great choice for those looking for a robust, easy-to-use computer with a large screen.

2. Dell Inspiron 15 3000

The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is another great option for older adults. This computer has a 15.6-inch full HD touchscreen display, which is perfect for seniors who want a large screen but don’t want a Mac. That said, this computer does weigh in a lot heavier at 5.2 pounds, and battery life is maxed at 8 hours. The Dell Inspiron is about mid-range when it comes to price. It has built-in speakers, a webcam, and a microphone, so video calls are a breeze. The speakers aren’t the greatest so this might not be ideal for those with hearing problems. This computer comes with Windows 10 pre-installed, so seniors will be able to use familiar programs like Microsoft Word and Excel. Overall, the Dell Inspiron is an ideal choice for seniors who want a large screen and familiar operating system.

3. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 

The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is another solid choice for older users and is easier on the wallet than the above options. This computer has a 13.3-inch HD touchscreen display—which means it provides the benefits of a tablet and a laptop—and runs on Windows 10. It’s lightweight at 2.97 pounds, although some users have found it’s not very robust. The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 offers 10-hour battery life and comes with built-in speakers, a webcam, and a microphone, which all perform well, especially considering the low price. Multiple ports enable users to easily connect external devices. Overall, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is a great choice for seniors who want an easy-to-use computer with an attractive price. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Computer

While all of the above computers are worth considering, there are several key factors you should bear in mind when selecting the ideal model for you or your loved one:

• Ease of use

• Features

• Price

Let’s examine these factors in a bit more detail.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is often key when selecting a computer for an older adult and it’s important to choose a computer that has an intuitive operating system. You may want to consider selecting a model that comes with pre-installed software that can help with tasks such as organization or staying connected with friends and family.

You also need to be mindful of physical features such as screen size and weight. A larger screen is ideal, particularly for visually impaired users. However, larger computers are often heavier making them less portable, so it’s a good idea to check that your chosen model is a comfortable weight. You also need to make sure the computer is robust enough to withstand general wear and tear, especially if the user will likely move it around quite a bit. Some models tend to be on the flimsy side, for example, with easily breakable screens. 

Features

Another factor to consider is which features come built into the computer. For example, most include a microphone, camera, and speaker, but these can vary in quality. This can impact things like audio and video calls and music and video streaming. However, this may not matter if the user will mainly use the computer for tasks such as reading, writing, and organizing. Be sure to consider the main expected uses for the device when analyzing features.

Price

Of course, another important factor to consider when choosing a computer for an older adult is price. You’ll obviously want to find a computer that fits within your budget, but that you won’t have to replace in a year or two. If you’re trying to cut costs, one way to save is to buy a basic model that doesn’t come with unnecessary bells and whistles. For example, unless you’re planning to store a ton of large files, you probably don’t need to go for a memory upgrade. Another way to save is to buy a used or refurbished computer. Just be sure to check that it comes with a warranty in case of issues.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right computer for an older adult can be a daunting task, but with the right information it’s easy to find one that meets their needs. The options discussed in this article are all excellent choices for seniors, and each has its own unique benefits. Be sure to consider factors such as ease of use, features, and price before making your decision. With these tips in mind, you should be able to easily find the perfect computer for you or your loved one.

6 Tips for Secure Online Shopping

Today, online shopping is more popular than ever, even more so in the leadup to the holidays.

Today, online shopping is more popular than ever, even more so in the leadup to the holidays. With the click of a button, shoppers can find nearly anything they need, from groceries to clothing to furniture, and of course, every gift imaginable. While the convenience of online shopping is undeniable, it’s important to ensure that your personal information is safe and secure. One wrong move could mean your information ends up in the hands of hackers.

Thankfully, there are some precautionary measures to ensure your data remains safe. By taking a few simple steps, you can shop online with confidence. Read on to discover our top tips for a worry-free online shopping experience.

1. Use A Strong Password Unique To Each Site

When shopping online, you’re often required to create an account with the ecommerce platform you’re purchasing from. Even if you’re not required to create an account (some smaller sites let you check out “as a guest”), you may want to create one anyway. This is convenient as all your details are stored and auto-populated when making subsequent purchases.

When creating an account, it’s vital that you use a strong and unique password. Using common passwords such as “qwerty” or the infamous “password” will make it easy for hackers to access your account. It’s also important to choose a new password for each site. If your details are ever leaked in a data breach (which are becoming more commonplace, even for reputable websites), hackers could use your details to try logging into multiple accounts. Using a unique password means that even if one of your passwords is compromised, the rest of your accounts will still be safe.

So what makes a strong password? In general, you want to choose a password that is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed words or numbers like your name or birthdate. If you’re having trouble remembering multiple passwords, you may want to try a password manager such as LastPass or Dashlane.

These store your passwords securely and autofill them when you need them.

2. Avoid Public Wifi When Shopping Online

Many people like to use public wifi hotspots such as those available in malls, hotels, airports, libraries, and coffee shops. After all, they’re often free so you don’t have to waste costly data. However, these hotspots are typically not encrypted, which means that your data is vulnerable to being intercepted by hackers. This might include login details, personal data, and credit card information.

If you do need to use public wifi at any point, you should consider using a VPN alongside it. This will at least encrypt your information so it is unreadable by snoopers. 

3. Check the Website's Security Features

Sometimes a good deal just isn’t worth the risk. When shopping online, you should look for reputable websites that are known to be secure. One way to do this is to look for HTTPS  (instead of HTTP) in the URL, and a padlock icon in the search bar.

These features tell you that the website encrypts information so that it can't be intercepted by third parties.

They can also indicate the website is legitimate and that your information is more likely to be safeguarded.

Note that you can often use reviews to help determine a company’s reputation, but bear in mind that many reviews these days are fake, so are not a completely reliable source.

4. Keep Your Computer's Software Up to Date

Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your data from cybercriminals. While updates can seem like a pain, regularly installing these software patches can help keep your computer or mobile device safe from threats. Plus, many systems enable you to set up automatic updates so you don’t even have to do anything manually.

5. Install An Antivirus Program And Keep It Updated

One of the most important things you can do to boost the overall security of your device is to install an antivirus program and keep it updated. Antivirus software acts as a line of defense and can help protect your computer from malware that could be used to steal your information. 

Popular antivirus programs include Bitdefender, McAfee, Norton, and Webroot.

6. Look Out for Phishing Emails

Phishing emails (those “phishing” for personal information) fall in our inbox year round, but they tend to be particularly rife around this time of year. Scammers often pose as reputable companies, for example, Amazon, PayPal, or UPS, to try to persuade receivers to hand over personal or financial information. While email spam filters catch most of these unwanted messages, no doubt some will still find their way into your inbox.

Learn to spot the signs of a phishing email include poor spelling and grammar, a suspicious sending email address, or links that don’t match their descriptive text. Note that some emails will take you to phishing sites (fake websites that mimic real ones), so be extra vigilant. A good rule of thumb is to avoid clicking any links or attachments in emails unless you absolutely trust the sender.

Wrapping Up

Online shopping offers so much convenience, allowing you to shop the best deals from the comfort of home. But it doesn’t come without its risks, and malicious actors are ready to take advantage of the flurry of activity during this season. 

If you’re planning to shop on e-commerce sites now or any other time of year, it’s important to make sure you do so safely. By following the tips above, you can help protect your personal and financial information and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your personal data.

Combating Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

As people age, social spheres naturally become smaller, and feelings of loneliness and isolation can set in.

A recent study by Cigna found that 41 percent of adults aged 66 and older report feeling lonely. This was perpetuated during the pandemic, but just because we’ve come out the other side, doesn’t mean loneliness has disappeared. 

As we age, it can become more difficult to get out and socialize due to reduced mobility, loss of transportation options, chronic health conditions, and other changes. Additionally, the death of a spouse or close friends can lead to feelings of loneliness. These emotions can have a significant negative impact on our physical and mental health. It’s important to combat these feelings by staying social and connected.

This article explores some of the reasons behind loneliness in older adults and provides advice on how to overcome these negative feelings.

Risks of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

Social isolation is defined as a lack of social contact, while loneliness is the feeling of being alone and disconnected from others. These feelings can be promoted among older adults for a variety of reasons including retirement (and losing the social aspect of the work environment), adult children moving away, the death of friends and loved ones, and a decline in physical mobility.

Loneliness can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression. It can also increase the risk of developing dementia and other chronic health conditions. Social isolation, on the other hand, has been linked to a higher risk of death as a result of heart disease or stroke. Additionally, both social isolation and loneliness can make it difficult to recover from an illness or injury.

Identify Signs of Social Isolation and Loneliness

Unfortunately, it can often be difficult to tell when someone is feeling isolated or lonely. They may not always openly express their feelings, and may instead withdraw from activities or social situations, perhaps insisting that they prefer things that way.

However, there are some signs that may indicate that someone is struggling with social isolation or loneliness. They may start to isolate themselves at home more than usual, or turn down invitations that they would normally accept. They may also seem withdrawn or uninterested in conversation. Additionally, someone who is suffering from these feelings may exhibit changes in their appearance or personal hygiene.

If you notice any of these signs in an older adult, it's important to reach out and offer support.

Tips for Combating Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

It's clear that social isolation and loneliness are serious issues that need to be addressed. There are a number of ways to overcome these problems, such as staying physically active, attending community events, and volunteering. It's important to talk to your doctor if you're feeling lonely or isolated, as they can provide additional support and resources.

If a loved one is experiencing social isolation or loneliness, let them know that you're there for them, and offer to spend time with them or help with errands or chores. You can also encourage them to follow the advice below. A little bit of support can go a long way in helping an isolated or lonely older adult feel connected and valued.

Get Involved in Your Community

There are many ways to get involved in your community, even if you can’t get out much. Volunteering for a local organization or attending community events are great ways to meet new people and stay connected. If you’re unable to leave your home, there are many ways to get involved remotely. You can donate your time by making phone calls or writing letters for local organizations. You can also research opportunities to volunteer from home online.

Connect With Old Friends and Family Members

Staying in touch with old friends and family members is a great way to combat social isolation and loneliness. If you can’t meet up in person, give them a call or set up a video chat. You can also send cards or letters through the mail. Keeping in touch will make you feel more connected and less alone. Note that while social media can play a role in combating loneliness, it often doesn’t provide the opportunity for real connection and can even be detrimental to mental health. As such, this form of communication should be used sparingly.

Join a Club or Group

There are many clubs and groups available for older adults, both in person and online. Joining a group provides opportunity for social interaction, gives you something to look forward to, and helps you stay active mentally and/or physically. You can join an interest-based club or group associated with an old or new hobby, such as a book club or gardening club. There are also many groups available for older adults who are dealing with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis. These groups provide support and allow you to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

Stay Up to Date with Technology

Technology can often help combat feelings of isolation by providing new ways to stay connected. Video chat platforms like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime allow seniors to easily keep in touch with loved ones, even if they live far away.

The Zoom platform has become hugely popular in recent years as a means to connect people from across the globe through video calls.

Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter—when used sparingly—offer opportunities to interact with others and stay up-to-date on current events. In addition, there are a number of online communities specifically designed for older adults. These websites and forums provide a space for discussion on a variety of topics, and can be a great way to make new friends.

Adopt a Pet

Pets can provide companionship, love, and support when we need it most. They can also help us stay active by providing us with a reason to get up and move around each day. Bear in mind, of course, that some pets can take a lot of work to care for properly, so be sure to do your research first. If you’re not able to adopt a pet of your own, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or pet store. You could also look into dog-walking or pet-sitting for neighbors or friends who have pets.

Final Comments

For many older adults, social isolation and loneliness are a growing concern. As friends and family move away, it can become increasingly difficult to maintain social connections. Social isolation and loneliness can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health—especially as we age—but there are things we can do to combat these feelings. Getting involved in your community, staying in touch with old friends and family members, joining clubs or groups, and adopting pets are all great ways to combat social isolation and loneliness as we age.

Overcoming Barriers Between Older Adults and Technology

As we enter the digital age, more and more aspects of our lives are becoming reliant on technology.

From keeping in touch with loved ones to managing our finances, technology is increasingly essential. However, for many older adults, the use of technology can be intimidating and confusing. While younger generations have grown up with smartphones and the internet, older adults often miss out on learning how to use these tools effectively. As a result, they can feel left behind and isolated.

Technology can offer a ton of benefits to older users including helping to keep in touch with loved ones, stay informed, and stay active. And while many are reluctant to learn new skills, learning to use technology doesn't have to be difficult. With a little patience and some basic instruction, you can start using technology like a pro. 

This post will explore some of the common barriers between older adults and technology and suggest ways to overcome them. Keep reading to learn more!

Barriers Between Older Adults and Technology

While many older adults understand the benefits of using technology, there are several barriers that prevent them from getting started. These include: 

• Lack of experience and confidence. Many lack the experience and confidence necessary to use technology. This can be a result of never having used technology or not using it regularly. For some, the idea can be downright daunting.

• Lack of access to technology. Older adults may also lack access to technology. This can be due to financial constraints or not having the right type of technology. For example, many seniors don't have a computer or smartphone, and may not have internet access.

• Fear of making mistakes. Many are afraid of making mistakes when using technology. Some are worried about appearing foolish, while others worry about consequences of mistakes such as making an accidental purchase, falling for a scam, or damaging the device.

• Lack of motivation. Older adults may also lack the motivation to use technology. This can be due to a lack of interest in technology or feeling like they don't need it.

While there are plenty of reasons older adults resist technology, there are also lots of reasons many are excited to get started.

Benefits of Older Adults Using Technology

Advances in technology have changed the lives of people of all ages, but there are several core benefits that older adults can reap from technology such as smartphones, tablets, internet connectivity, and apps.

One of the main advantages of using technology is staying connected with friends and family. With modern devices, it's easy to stay in touch with loved ones no matter where they are in the world. Whether you're video chatting with grandkids or sending a quick text, technology can help you stay connected.

Another benefit is easy access to information. With a few clicks, you can find out about anything you're curious about. From the latest news and weather forecasts to learning about historical events or the latest tech, technology gives you instant access to a trove of information.

For many older adults, technology can help with independence. You can use a laptop, tablet, or smartphone to do things like manage your finances and shop for groceries without having to rely on others.

Instacart is just one of the many tools available to help connected seniors with everyday tasks.

Technology can also help you stay active and engaged in your hobbies and interests. For example, you can use devices and apps to join online classes, track your fitness, or join online groups and forums where you can connect with others who share your interests. 

Using technology can even save you time and money. Once you get used to being online, you can use the web to compare prices, find coupons, and book discount travel deals quickly and easily.

Tips for Getting Started with Technology

Whatever the reasons for older adults not using technology, there are ways to overcome these barriers. Here are a few tips to get you or a loved one started:

1. Start slow and build up your skills

If you're new to technology, it's important to avoid being overwhelmed by starting slow. There's no need to try and do everything at once. Start with something simple like sending an email or text message. Once you're comfortable with that, you can move on to more complex tasks.

2. Ask for help

If you're having trouble getting started, find someone who can help you. This can be a friend, family member, or even a professional. They can help you understand how to use the technology and offer support when you're struggling.

3. Use online resources

There are many online resources that can help you learn about and use technology. Basic classes or tutorials can provide the foundations for using common devices such as smartphones or computers. These resources can be accessed from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. 

4. Be patient with yourself

Learning how to use technology can be frustrating at times. It's important to be patient with yourself and understand that it takes time to learn new things. If you make a mistake, don't worry—everyone does at first. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually get the hang of it.

5. Have fun

Finally, don't forget to have fun with it. Technology can be a great way to connect with others and explore new things. So go out there and enjoy yourself!

Wrapping Up

Technology can be a great way for older adults to stay connected with friends and family, access information, and stay independent. If you're an older adult who wants to start using technology, start slow and build up your skills. There are many online resources and support groups available for those who want to continue learning at their own pace. With a little patience and effort, anyone can become comfortable with using technology.

Windows 11 Upgrade: Have You Made the Switch?

Windows 11 was released in October 2021, but if you’re like the vast majority of other Windows users, you may not have taken the leap and upgraded just yet.

While new Windows versions typically offer attractive features missing in their predecessors, there are often concerns about upgrades, for example, a steep learning curve or the potential for system bugs.

Knowing what’s in store for you with the Windows 11 upgrade should help ease some of that anxiety. If you know the types of changes to expect, you can prepare to tackle any issues that arise, and maybe even recruit some help in the form of a family member or friend to help guide you along the way.

In this post, we explain the major changes to expect in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10 and reveal some top tips for getting the most out of this latest version. Let’s jump in!

Key Changes in Windows 11

In general Windows 10 and 11 are very similar, although users will notice distinct changes to the interface design. Here, we’ll explain the differences that will impact users the most:

• Performance: The performance in Windows 11 is better than in Windows 10 so you should see apps loading faster and your PC will wake up quicker from sleep mode.

• Start menu: The Start menu will look quite different from Windows 10. It has a more simplistic layout with a static list of apps and most frequented documents. The Live Tiles from Windows 10 are also missing.

• Taskbar: The taskbar is different, too. It can no longer be pinned to the right or left of the screen, the search box is collapsed to an icon, and the Cortana function is absent by default (you can still download the app), among other minor changes.

• Teams calls: Windows 11 brings some features to improve Microsoft Teams calls including background blur and eye contact adjustments.

• Gaming: Gamers will be happy about exclusive Windows 11 features such as Auto HDR (improving the appearance of images) and DirectStorage (which promises to load games in under a second).

• Missing features: Several Windows 10 features have been removed or replaced in Windows 11, for example, Internet Explorer is replaced with Microsoft Edge, the math input panel is replaced with Math Recognizer, and 3D Viewer, Paint 3D, OneNote for Windows 10, and Skype have been removed (but can still be downloaded from the store).

Microsoft provides a full overview of the key changes you’ll see when you install Windows 11.

Should You Update to Windows 11?

Updating to the latest version of Windows offers several benefits. New versions include security updates that can help protect your computer from viruses and other malware. Plus, updates often include performance enhancements and new features that can improve your overall experience. Another reason to update is that by running the latest version of Windows, you can ensure compatibility with other software and hardware.

In spite of there being several good reasons to update to the latest Windows version, uptake on Windows 11 has been very slow. In early December 2021, two months after its release, it was estimated that Windows 11 was installed on around 9 percent of “modern PCs.” And businesses were even slower with Lansweeper data showing that in April 2022, only 1.44 percent of its surveyed users had adopted the new system.

One of the biggest issues appears to be the hefty requirements to install the new operating systems. Computers must have a 1GHz or faster processor which is similar to Windows 10. However, the RAM requirement for Windows 11 is 4GB (up from 1–2GB in Windows 10) and Windows 11 requires a 64GB or larger hard drive (up from 16–32GB). Put simply, many devices just can’t handle the upgrade.

Another reason for slow adoption is the fact that Windows 10 is supported up until 2025. This means that there’s no rush to install the new version. As with any upgrade, adoption is also likely hampered by fear of missing or altered features and dealing with the learning curve of using a new operating system.

Ultimately, the decision will come down to a couple of key questions:

• Do the additional features in Windows 11 appeal to you enough that you’d like to make the switch sooner rather than later?

• Can your device handle the new operating system or are you willing to upgrade to one that can?

If the answer to both is yes, then you should go ahead and install the update.

Top Tips for Using Windows 11

If you do decide to upgrade, here are some tips to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible:

• Make sure your system meets the requirements before attempting to update.

• If you decide to update, use an official Microsoft installer (not a third-party) as these may contain malware.

• Note that once you upgrade, you only have 10 days to perform a simple reversion back to Windows 10 if you decide Windows 11 isn’t for you. It is possible to revert back past that time period, but the process is much trickier.

• As with any new software install, you should make sure your privacy settings are up to date. For example, Windows tracks lots of activity by default such as your location activity and browsing and search history, but you can control this data collection in the Privacy Settings screen.

Worried about having to learn a whole new system? Overall, the differences between interacting with Windows 10 and 11 are not significant and you should be able to get used to the new setup fairly quickly. Ideally you can ask a friend or family member to help you get started or consult the wealth of online guides available.

Wrapping Up

Windows 11 offers some advantages over Windows 10, including better performance and an enhanced experience for activities like video calls and gaming. That said, switching will mean having to get used to a new design and the loss or replacement of some default features. Plus, many systems won’t meet the requirements for the upgrade.

If you’re thinking about switching to Windows 11, review the information above and determine if it’s worth giving it a try. After all, you do have 10 days to revert back to Windows 10 if it doesn’t seem like a good fit. And you never know, you might be surprised how much you love the new features.