2. The term tablet refers to touchscreen-based
computers that tend to be light and easily
portable. The iPad is one of the more well-
known examples of these, although there
are many others.
Because they are a type of computer, tablets
have their own operating system and can
run a large number of applications (apps),
including many different games.
Tablets may range from a screen size of
around 5 inches all the way up to around
10 inches, with screen sizes from 7 to 10
inches being the most common.
Most tablets will run either an Apple or an
Android operating system. Many apps will
be present in the stores for both types of
tablets, but some will only be offered by
one of the stores. Most of the apps I'm
discussing here are present in both stores,
and I specify the cases where this isn't true.
3. The range of apps and games for tablets
can be daunting.
For example, some of the categories
include puzzle, word, casual, card and
board games - and that isn't even
counting the more practical apps, like
audiobook players and eBook readers.
This can be pretty overwhelming even if
you only want to find a few suitable
apps. The recommendations in this
article come from talking to seniors
and their families, and also from
looking online, to figure out which
apps are most suitable for seniors.
While many seniors can play any game,
the emphasis here is on apps that are
relatively easy to pick up and learn - to
accommidate seniors who may struggle
with some elements of using a tablet.
PICKING TABLET
APPS AND GAMES
4. Angry Birds Rio (for Apple and Android)
is a puzzle game, but the simple
controls and fun graphics make it a
good pick for seniors. The basic aim of
the game is to use a slingshot and
knock down buildings and there are
many other games in the Angry Birds
range, and they are all pretty similar.
As with many games, this app is hit or
miss, some seniors will love it, others
won't be interested at all.
CASUAL GAMEs
5. Farmville 2: Country Escape (for Apple
and Android) is a farm game with an
emphasis on growing crops and
earning money. Farmville has attracted
large audiences through Facebook
and this particular app is Farmville's
tablet offering. It is a game that
requires strategy, reading and
planning, so it might not be suitable for
all seniors. However, I know a number
of seniors who enjoy the game and like
the way that it keeps them thinking.
Additionally, this game has a social
element, allowing players to join a co-
op, where they can help one another
and chat to one another. I've seen
players get so caught up in the chat
that they barely touch the rest of the
game.
6. Peggle Blast (for Apple and Android) is
hard to explain, but the game basically
involves using a ball to knock out
pegs. Peggle looks complicated at
first, but the game is easy to pick up
and can be a lot of fun without being
confusing. Peggle Blast is the free
version of the game, and has in-app
purchases. The original game and its
sequel (Peggle and Peggle Nights) are
both also available on Android and
Apple. These versions cost to
purchase, but are better in the long-
run.
7. The Sims Freeplay (for Apple and
Android) is a version of the Sims
franchise, although most seniors
probably haven't heard of the
franchise. This is a task-based game
where users build families and send
characters (Sims) on tasks. It requires
less strategy than Farmville, but both
games require waiting for tasks to
finish. This is a common approach in
many similar games, and makes for
relaxing game play, where you set it
up and come back later.
8. Kindle (for Apple and Android) is one
example of an eBook reader, although
there are many other apps with similar
functions. Kindle can be a good
choice, as buying books through the
app (or online) is relatively simple and
the prices are often reasonable. In
fact, you can buy Kindle apps from the
Amazon store. Most apps for eBook
reading have options to make the book
easier to read, such as increasing font
size or altering the contrast. Using this
type of app can be a great way for
seniors to read and the app gives you
the ability to make any book into a
large print book.
ENTERTAINMENT
APPS
9. Audible (for Apple and Android) is one of
many apps for playing audiobooks. As
with Kindle, this app makes it easy to
buy books, and both Kindle and
Audible are tied into Amazon. The
books can be a bit on the expensive
side, but Audible offers a monthly plan
that gives users one audiobook per
month and 30% off all other
audiobooks. This is a great option for
seniors who have trouble reading (or
don't want to)
