From getting around to staying healthy to eating, there are many ways technology can make our daily lives easier.
So, whether you’re looking for a gift or just looking for more peace of mind, we’ve rounded up the best gadgets and apps for your elderly friends and family.
This article covers:


best cell phone for seniors
Think about all the purposes we use our phones for. Take photos and videos. reading books and maps. Alarm clocks, radios, encyclopedias, diaries…the list goes on.
Whether you’re walking down the street, sitting in a cafe or on the train, the number of faces staring at tiny screens makes you think there’s not a single person in the UK who doesn’t own a smartphone. is. But that’s wrong.
According to industry watchdog Ofcom, 99% of 16 to 24-year-olds own a mobile phone, while four-fifths of over-75s do not have one.
But smartphones aren’t just for the tech-savvy, and there are some great, cost-effective products designed specifically for older generations.
Some commonly seen features include:
- Easy-to-access and easy-to-read keypad
- Large screen
- Emergency button options
best cell phone for seniors
- Denver GSP-110
This cheap and simple mobile option (priced at £45.99) has a large call button, large screen and loud speakers that are compatible with older people’s hearing aids. The security system is accessed through the SOS button on the back of the phone and is used to call pre-programmed numbers for friends and family in case of an emergency. - nokia 1.3
It’s an affordable and easy-to-use smartphone, making it ideal for first-time smartphone owners. The Nokia 1.3 costs less than £80 and is powered by Android Go. Android Go offers more streamlined versions of social media apps like YouTube and Facebook. For people with vision problems, there are options to increase the text size on your phone or use a text-to-speech app.
block cold calls
According to Ofcom, 94% of over-75s have a landline at home, and 100% are tired of cold phone calls.
However, it’s not just the annoying and persistent salespeople on the other end that you need to watch out for, but also the scammers.
Call blockers can be a great way to reduce risk in older adults.
best call blocker
- trueCall call blocker
This device connects to your existing phone. It costs £100 and all you need to do is see who’s calling you and get a message if you don’t know via a friend, family member or other known number, or block known unwanted calls altogether . - bt element phone
For £69.99 you can buy another cordless phone with a built-in nuisance call blocker.
Smart devices that support the elderly
I don’t mean intelligent, but if you’re looking to train your brain, there are some great free apps like Lumosity and Elevate that can help.
No, what I’m really talking about is a smart home where you can control your lighting, heating, and electronics all remotely with your phone or computer.
Although it seems expensive and complicated, it doesn’t have to be and could save you money in the end.
best smart home apps
- hive
A Hive Heating starter pack costs around £129. You can turn on the heating remotely using an app, so your home will be warm the moment you walk in the door. - nest
This provides a whole suite of smart home equipment covering safety, heating, energy and lighting.
Stay safe
More important than a smart home is a safe home.
There are many gadgets that can help your elderly relative live more safely and independently, and give you peace of mind. Here are some ideas.
Safety products perfect for the elderly
- Police approved Eldercare key safe
Priced at £150 including VAT, the spare key is kept securely outside the house, so if an elderly relative loses the key or emergency services need access to the premises. You can take it out. - Arlo Pro 3 Smart Security System
This home security system comes with all the bells and whistles, including a camera that connects to your phone. At £379.99, it’s not cheap. - Hive window and door sensors
It’s a cheap home security system for £29, but it needs to be connected to a £68 Hive hub. This will send a notification to your phone when a window or door is detected to be open. - Personal alarm package with monitoring from AgeUK
Prices are £16.48 per month, with a one-off installation fee of £69 (both prices do not include VAT, as some buyers have a VAT exemption clause).
Become healthy
From fitness trackers to timed medicine cabinets, there are plenty of gadgets and gizmos to help you stay healthy.
best fitness and health gadgets
- fitbit versa 3
Fitness trackers are great at any age, but especially as we get older we become more sedentary and have mobility issues. Wear it on your wrist like a watch and monitor information such as your daily steps, sleep time, and heart rate. Fitbit is one of the most famous companies offering these trackers and the latest Fitbit Versa 3 costs £169.99. There are also fitness trackers that can monitor your blood pressure. For example, the YoYo Smartwatch costs £41.99. That information is sent to an app on your phone and displayed in an easy-to-understand way. If you don’t really care about all the modern cons, the Letsfit tracker is a cheaper and simpler option at just £20. - TabTime Medelert Automatic Pill Dispenser
Priced at £69.99, it sounds an alarm and flashes a light to remind you when to take your medication, making it perfect for older people to remember important details and improve their quality of life.
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