Best Mac Mail App For Seniors

Recommending a high-tech solution – in this case a smartphone – to an older audience is like trying to sell a new shower system to the phoenix. But don’t give up so hastily, there is a good reason why older people should give up on the idea of landline phone and move on a basic cellphone too. Smartphones are more than just flashy gadgets: they double as alarms, medication reminders and medical IDs, while also providing a means to book cheap car rides or find the closest hospital. Smartphones are tools that protect, help and entertain, benefiting elderly people more simply from the knowledge of handling them.

If the Mail app that comes with your Mac doesn't provide the features you need, you're in luck. There are dozens of great email apps in the Mac App Store. We've tested many of them, and these are our favorites. Each one has a little something special that makes it unique. Also, check out iMore's best mail apps for iPhone and iPad. A free email client, Apple Mail, comes installed and ready for use with macOS. If you're interested in what the Mail app can do compared to other alternatives, here are the best free email clients available for macOS.

Why the Elderly Should Have Smartphones

Pricing (starts at.) Site. Microsoft Outlook. Best email client for Windows 10. $5 per user per month billed annually with Office 365. Mozilla Thunderbird. Best alternative to Gmail. Best email client for Windows & Mac. $49.95 per device. Top email client for multiple accounts.

Let’s make this clear: just because an elderly person starts to rely on a smartphone, it doesn’t mean the landline phone should be torn out from the wall. Landline phones, cellphones and smartphones can exist alongside one another, although the first two will likely become obsolete after seniors have wrapped their mind around the touchscreen device. The convenience of such a tool will be immediate since touch-based systems are easier to use than you might think. Chat apps and social media sites will also introduce the senior to new communities and make the user more social, while such phones also have an infinite amount of chess, solitaire and sudoku games available. On top of all that, smartphones fees are much lower than paying for the landline version.

Since smartphones are multi-functional tools, those who wish to age at home safely can save on certain items. For example, there are free medical alert apps on the official store, which aren’t as comprehensive as the real deal but can still dial 911 in an emergency. There are also vial of life or medical ID apps, not to mention medication reminder apps that replace the physical ones.

Recommended Smartphones for Elderly

If you are a relative looking for a modern phone for your beloved elderly companion, then there are a couple of factors to take into account. First of all, the device should have a large screen so that your loved ones can see the images even with a poor vision. Second, you must ‘prepare’ the phone in advance, by which we mean downloading a set of useful apps and clearing out other software that would only confuse the aging user. Lastly, try setting the volume to a higher level. There are, however, a few suggestions to consider when looking for a smartphone for a senior user.

GreatCall Jitterbug Smart

Jitterbug Smart by GreatCall is the perfect gift for an elderly relative who has asked for a smartphone. The top reason why this phone is recommended for seniors is that it has access to the company’s medical alert services. This way the phone’s user is able to directly contact GreatCall’s 24/7 monitoring service, 5Star Urgent Response.

Since the company is specialized in technology aiming to making the life of people in their golden years easier, it’s no wonder the phone sports features that very few phones do. It comes with large icons set as default and has built-in voice typing mode so people don’t need to fiddle with the keyboard. The smartphone has a large screen and a camera, in case the aging person wishes to jump into the selfie craze. The batteries are made to last extra long, too, promising uninterrupted use. Jitterbug Smart was designed to handle certain Android apps as well, such as Uber, which is a huge relief.

Boost Mobile Samsung Galaxy J3 Emerge

This Android phone is unlocked, meaning it accepts all kinds of sim cards. The 5″ HD screen guarantees a clear and visible display for the user, and the expandable storage up to 256GB allows family members to send vacation photos and other images directly to the senior’s phone. The quad-core processor makes this phone respond extremely quickly, so the slow pace won’t test the aging user’s patience in learning to use the device. Even better, there is a feature called Samsung Easy mode that configures the home screen and layout to match the first time user’s needs. For $35 per month, the Boost Mobile plan promises unlimited talk, text and data usage at 2GB at high speed.
Best Mac Mail App For Seniors

iPhone 6 Plus

This is another unlocked smartphone, but one that caters to the Apple-loving branch of the family. It’s compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile as well as with GSM SIM cards. The 5.5-inch LED-backlit widescreen will surely make handling the device easy even for older generation users. This phone is recommended for fans of mobile photos thanks to the 8-megapixel camera, which comes with optical image stabilization. Elderly relatives can also use the camera for 1080p HD videos to share moments of their life with the rest of the family. For this reason, consider downloading FaceTime, Apple’s video call application. The huge catalog of Apple-approved apps provides further benefits for seniors. For example, Apple’s own Health app keeps track of the elderly person’s activity level, sleeping schedule and diet. From this family members can learn how much exercise the aging relative is getting, or whether or not they consume enough to keep them healthy.

Must-Have Apps for Seniors

Best

When setting up the phone for your aging relative, there are killer apps that should definitely be downloaded pre-emptively before handing the device over. Keep in mind that these aren’t strictly medical alert related, but we do have a dedicated article on that exact topic.

WebMD

Available both in browser and app format, WebMD is an extensive guide of health-related information. Seniors can identify their illness by checking the symptom archive and find the appropriate medicine for it at the same time. It also helps find the closest physician or treatment facility, which is important because users should never diagnose themselves.

Medical ID

A mix between a screensaver and a vial of life, Medical ID is a free app that allows the user to create a medical profile on their phone that is displayed on the lock screen. Perfect for seniors who are on the go, the response team only needs to take a glance at the phone to immediately learn the patient’s medical history.

5Star Urgent Response

GreatCall’s monitoring service is not only accessible through the company’s personal emergency devices, but also from your smartphone. Note that you must subscribe to the service in order to call 5Star Urgent Response but in exchange the staff notifies 911 and family members and stores your medical history on file.

Medisafe

Medisafe is a digitalized pill reminder with extra features. The app helps the user keep track of their daily pill doses, ringing an alarm when the time has come. It also monitors the user’s health, and the logs can be easily shared with the physician or other family members.

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Uber

For seniors who lack a car or are unable to drive anymore, Uber is the most cost effective way of getting around. Booking a ride from a local driver is a piece of cake, and the costs are affordable for every wallet. Uber allows the elderly passengers to attend doctor’s appointments or get the groceries done without relying on the free time of relatives.

SeniorMatch

True to its name, SeniorMatch is an online matchmaking service. Interestingly, a large chunk of the elderly subscribers use it to chat, socialize and make friends instead of dating. SeniorMatch is a great way for home-bound or recovering older people to establish new connections without leaving the house.

Best Mac Mail App For Seniors

Mind Games

Exercising the mind is just as important in the golden years as maintaining a fit body. Mind Games is a collection of fun games that can be played on the phone in order to keep mental health in good condition.

Best Medical Alert Systems of 2021

RankCompanyInfoVisit
Editor's Choice 2021
  • 1 month of service for free
  • Reliable fall detection
  • Wireless central units
  • Terrific, fast monitoring service

  • Coverage up to 1,000 feet
  • Assistance in over 170 languages
  • In-car alert system
  • GPS and fall detection

  • Advanced mobile unit
  • Fall detection and GPS tracking system
  • Backup battery
  • Free spouse monitoring

Get the Best Deals on Medical Alert Systems

Let our experts keep you up to date on the latest trends, news and deals on medical alert systems.

The 10 Best Tablets for Seniors 2020

For seniors who want to stay connected, surf the web, and share photos, a tablet is often the ideal device. Lighter and more streamlined than a laptop, yet with a larger screen than a smartphone, tablets are user-friendly for most older adults. Tech-savvy seniors will enjoy keeping up with the latest trends, while less experienced users won’t have to read a 100-page manual to get their device up and running.

As more seniors embrace all types of technology, including tablets, it’s easier to track the benefits of tablet use among seniors. Tablets allow seniors to keep in touch with long-distance family and friends via video chat apps and social media. Apps are available to help seniors and their caregivers keep track of medications and health goals. Games help keep seniors’ brains sharp, and reading is easier on tablets thanks to adjustable brightness and text sizes.

Whether you are a senior purchasing your first tablet or upgrading to a newer model, or looking into purchasing a tablet for a loved one, we compiled this list to help you find the best tablet for your needs and budget. We considered specs, features, cost, and customer reviews. Prices and availability are subject to change.

1.Apple iPad 9.7

The latest version of Apple’s iPad is a solid overall pick, with a bright, high-resolution 9.7-inch screen, 10 hours of battery life, and a fast A10 fusion chip processor. You can supplement it with bells and whistles like the Apple Pencil and a keyboard (sold separately), but on its own the Apple iPad 9.7 is still a powerful yet easy-to-use device that lets you take photos and videos, surf the web, and use all of Apple’s popular apps. LaptopMag gave the Apple iPad 9.7 four stars; CNet gave it an 8.6 overall rating, and customers on Amazon gave it 4.7 stars. Prices start at $329.

Pros:

  • 10 hours of battery life
  • Supports Apple Pencil (sold separately)
  • Lightweight (1.03 lbs)

Cons:

  • Thick bezels
  • Smaller screen than other tablets
  • Medium-quality camera

2. Lenovo Tab 4

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The Lenovo Tab 4 is an inexpensive tablet that delivers on battery life, sound quality, and screen size, making it a good option for seniors who want a tablet that provides a good user experience without breaking the bank. Choose between an 8-inch and 10-inch screen; both run an Android operating system and boast more than 11 hours of battery life. While it can’t replace a laptop for productivity, if you want a tablet for simple tasks like Internet browsing, checking email, keeping up with social media and taking photos, this is a solid bet. LaptopMag gave it four stars, and CNet gave it a 7.3 overall rating. It has 3.9 stars on Amazon. Prices start at $126.75.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • 11+ hours of battery life
  • Front-facing speakers

Cons

  • Low-resolution display
  • Heavier than some other tablets
  • Not made for high-performance tasks

3. Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro Android Tablet

The Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro is an affordable yet powerful tablet that is great for seniors familiar with Android operating systems. If you’re relying on your tablet to watch videos and listen to music, this is an ideal device. It has four excellent speakers, a 10.8-inch screen, and sharp 2K resolution. This tablet also boasts long-lasting battery life and a light, 1.1 lb chassis. The MediaPad M5 Pro’s camera quality is lacking, and the buttons are on the back of the device, making them a little hard to reach. Techradar gave the Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro four stars, while LaptopMag gave it 3.5 stars. Customers on Amazon gave it 4.4 stars. The Huawei MediaPad M5 Pro starts at $449.00.

Pros

  • 9+ hours of battery life
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Comes with an EMUI skin that may be tricky to use
  • Medium-quality camera
  • Hard-to-reach button placement

4. Microsoft Surface Pro 6

Often referred to as the “Cadillac of tablets”, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is so powerful and versatile, it can essentially replace a laptop. Seniors who prefer the Windows operating system, need a device for work productivity, and don’t mind shelling out a little more money can look no further. The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 has a large, 12.3-inch screen, but weighs less than two pounds. Its Core i5-8250U processor means you can run multiple programs with ease and reliability. An optional keyboard and Surface Pen come at an extra cost, but can make typing easier. LaptopMag gave the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 4.5 stars; CNet.com gave it an 8.2 overall rating, and it has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon. The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 starts at $919.00.

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Pros

  • Fast processor
  • 9+ hours of battery life
  • Large screen in a lightweight chassis

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Accessories like Surface Pen and keyboard sold separately
  • No USB-C/Thunderbolt ports

5. Apple iPad Mini

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If you like using your tablet on-the-go, then the Apple iPad Mini might be the right device for you. It offers many of the same features as the larger and more expensive iPad Air in a compact, 7.9-inch package. While that might be too small for some users, it still packs 3 million pixels into its display, so you can see every detail when watching videos or browsing photos. The Apple iPad Mini also offers an option for cellular coverage in addition to Wi-Fi, to help you stay connected anytime, anywhere. The Verge gave the Apple iPad Mini an 8.5 rating, while LaptopMag gave it four stars. It has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon. The Apple iPad Mini starts at $399.

Pros

  • Compatible with Apple Pencil (sold separately)
  • Very portable; weighs .66 lbs and is 6.1 mm thin
  • Fast A12 processor

Cons

  • Thick bezels
  • Screen may be too small for some
  • No USB-C port

6. Sony Xperia Z4

The Sony Xperia Z4 is a durable yet lightweight tablet with some unique features. Its waterproof design means spilling a drink or touching the screen with wet hands isn’t a problem (note that the headphone jack and USB port are points of vulnerability). As an Android device, it has an extremely customizable interface; you can arrange apps in whatever way works best for your needs. It has a bright, 10-inch screen that is ideal for reading and watching TV and movies. The keyboard (sold separately) and camera leave something to be desired, especially for the price, but overall this is a solid, functional pick. TechRadar gave it 4.5 stars, and CNet gave it an 8.0 rating. Customers on Amazon gave it 3.9 stars. Price starts at $699.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Very customizable
  • Lightweight (less than one pound)

Cons

  • Poor keyboard performance (sold separately)
  • Only has 32G of storage
  • Large bezels

7. Apple iPad Pro (11-inch)

The Apple iPad Pro may be more tablet than some users need, but if you’re looking for productivity and performance, look no further. Designed for professional use, this tablet offers both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular connectivity options; an incredibly fast A12X Bionic processor, and compatibility with productivity-enhancing tools like a keyboard and the latest Apple Pencil (sold separately). The Apple iPad Pro is a high-end device that goes above and beyond what most seniors may need from their tablets, but for those who are still working, enjoy gaming, or just like having the latest technology, it may be worth the price tag. TechRadar gave the Apple iPad Pro 4.5 stars, and CNet gave it an 8.3 overall rating. It has 4.6 stars on Amazon. The Apple iPad Pro starts at $799.

Pros

  • Powerful, fast processor
  • Large 11-inch display
  • Face ID

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Cons

  • Expensive
  • Apple Pencil and keyboard sold separately
  • Headphones not included

8. Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet

Mail

Amazon enthusiasts may find that the Amazon Fire HD 10 is the ideal tablet for them; others, not so much. This bargain tablet has a big, 10.1-inch display, and focuses on Amazon’s array of apps and services, including the Alexa assistant. This means users can control the tablet with voice as well as touch commands. The downside is, it does not support Google apps like Gmail, Chrome, and YouTube. This limitation may be a dealbreaker for some users, but for Prime subscribers who mainly want a tablet for streaming media, web browsing and video chatting, this is an inexpensive yet functional option. LaptopMag and TechRadar both gave it four stars; customers on Amazon gave it 4.2 stars. The Amazon Fire HD 10 starts at $149.99.

Pros

  • Bright, high-resolution display
  • Includes Alexa assistant
  • Ideal for those who primarily use Prime services

Cons

  • Mediocre battery life
  • Poor quality camera
  • Doesn’t support YouTube or Google apps

9. Samsung Galaxy Tab S4

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Considered Samsung’s answer to the iPad Pro 10.5, the Galaxy Tab S4 is a solid option if you’re more familiar with the Android operating system. It comes with an S Pen, and a mode that transforms the display into a desktop-like interface. However, according to some reviews, the touchscreen can be unresponsive, and the keyboard (sold separately) has a non-intuitive design. With long battery life and a 10.5-inch screen, the Galaxy Tab S4 is best suited for users who want basic tablet functions like watching media, web-browsing, and reading. Techradar gave the Galaxy Tab S4 3.5 stars; The Verge gave it a 6.5 rating, and it has 4.5 stars on Amazon. Prices start at $649.

Pros

  • S Pen included
  • Narrow bezels
  • Large screen

Cons

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  • Expensive
  • Keyboard (not included) difficult to use
  • Glitchy touchscreen

10. Dell XPS 10

The Dell XPS 10 tablet boasts the best battery life of any device on our list – a whopping 20 hours when connected to the keyboard dock (not included). If you’re an active senior or don’t like to be tethered to cords, this might be the ideal device for you. While not as powerful as other tablets on our list, it is more than serviceable for all your basic tablet needs – Internet browsing, streaming media, taking and sharing photos, and word processing. It’s slim and lightweight, yet still has a large, 10.1-inch display. PCMag gave the Dell XPS 10 four stars; CNet gave it a 6.8 overall rating, and it has 3.3 stars on Amazon. The Dell XPS 10 starts at $679.99.

Pros

  • Extremely long battery life
  • Speakers built into keyboard dock
  • Sharp, high-resolution screen

Cons

  • Limited storage
  • Performance bugs
  • Incompatible with non-Windows RT programs