How Useful are iPads for Seniors?

[dancohen]

I've set my father-in-law up with an iPad in his room at his assisted living facility. Although he has a learning difficulty in general, he manages to watch Netflix movies and other TV shows I've loaded onto it. I'm curious whether anyone is using iPads for loved ones with memory challenges. Using iPads to help seniors with varying health challenges is an approach that very few have tried as yet. But because I believe there is significant potential for those with a variety of health issues, I've developed a series of iphone/ipad apps that recommend health-related apps. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to advertise Healthful Apps on SeniorDashboard and encourage site visitors to visit my site, appsforall.net.

[red]

Not familiar with I Pad, but very curious. My husband is a low vision person, can't get close enough
to computer screen to see it. Been wondering about hand held items like I Pads. Can you increase
the font size?

[dancohen]

Yes, the iPad, and all other "e-readers" such as the Kindle, have the ability to increase the size of the font. Earlier this year I spoke with Alice Mann, Doctor of Optometry, who explained “the iPad could be a good source of visual help for patients who have many forms of visual impairment. It allows for easy change of contrast and text size and is less costly than other very expensive low vision aids for people who need help, particularly with magnification and different contrast levels. Other devices do not provide the same level of flexibility as appears standard in the iPad.”

[red]

Thanks dancohen, we will definitely check the I-Pads out.

Think I'm going to like this new site, how about you? I do love

senior forums!

[radine]

I'm new here...read about this site in our daily newspaper in Northwest Arkansas. I'm familiar with Internet use, since I am a writer by profession and communicate via e-mail every day. (Use it for information, publicity work, connection with other writers and publishers, and much more.)

I am glad to learn more about iPads.

Is there a general "chat" area on this site? If so, I haven't found it yet. Radine

[red]

Radine, if there is a general chat room I haven't found it either. I too am from Arkansas, live
in Central AR in the rural area out of Malvern. Glad to have another Arkie on here.