Best Mac Mail App For Seniors

  

Whether you are looking for a dynamic gaming experience on the go, an affordable productivity machine, or are simply curious about Apple’s latest Macbook offerings, check out our list of the best 10 laptops for seniors of 2020, in no particular order.

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. 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.

Considerations

Before shopping for a new laptop, keep in mind the following considerations.

  • How will the laptop be used? Keeping in mind your preferred uses for your new laptop is a great way to help guide yourself through the numerous options available online and in stores. Do you plan to use your computer primarily for checking email, social media, and streaming Netflix? Maybe a budget option, or even a tablet, would be best for you. If you intend to use your laptop for work purposes, such as editing pictures and documents, maybe you’ll want a high-end performance laptop designed to handle multiple tasks at once. A faster processor and more RAM means your laptop will be able to handle more, though lesser RAM would be perfectly fine for a casual user. It’s also important to think about whether or not you’ll want to use communication features like a webcam and mic, or a DVD player, as not every laptop will include these extras.
  • What software do you need? Laptops always come with an operating system- either Windows, Apple, or Google- that contains basic software packages appropriate for all levels of users. Windows 10 features access to the Microsoft Store, making the purchase of needed software simple, as do both Google Play stores and the Mac app store. Take a peek at the websites when you know what system you want to use and see what type of apps are available to download, how much they cost, and to see user reviews.
  • What is your budget? Depending on the type of features you need in your laptop, your cost can vary from just a few hundred dollars to several thousand for a high-end performance gaming computer. As technology improves every year, the price for simpler devices has dropped dramatically, and laptops are now affordable for nearly every budget. If you are on a really strict budget, check out some ways to pay for a laptop at the end of our list.

The 10 Best Laptops for Seniors


The following laptops received high ratings from individuals who have purchased them for themselves or for elderly parents and grandparents. Each laptop was evaluated for ease of use, any accessibility issues, functionality, and price.

1. TOSHIBA Tecra A50-E

The Toshiba Tecra is a solid-performing business laptop that is loaded with all the features you’ll need to connect all your devices, including two 2.0 USB ports and two 3.0 USB ports, an HDMI port, a VGA port, Bluetooth connectivity, and Windows 10 Pro. Windows 10 Pro has all the well-loved features of Windows 10 Home, as well as additional secure encryption, and a wealth of formidable business management applications such as group capability, kiosk setup, and rapid network provisioning assistance. Toshiba laptops are trusted for their long-lasting, durable machines as well as the company’s excellent customer service, and this first choice is a great one for the senior who has not decided to retire and needs a machine that can keep up.

Pros:

  • 802.11 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, webcam, mic, 4 USB ports, HDMI port, and VGA port
  • 8th Generation Intel i7 quad-core processor and 12GB of DDR4 RAM makes loading fast
  • Features Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, with all your favorite Office programs and apps
  • 15.6″ HD monitor with 1366 x 768 LED backlight display
  • Reviewers appreciate how lightweight this powerhouse is

Cons:

  • This laptop may take slightly longer to deliver than others on our list
  • Costs more than other machines on our list, coming in at just under $1,000

2. HP Pavilion

Our more expensive HP laptop pick, the Pavillion is a great choice for a powerful laptop from the trusted HP brand. With 8GB of SDRAM memory, 128 GB SSD power, and dual processors, this machine has the storage and processing capability to tackle your everyday tasks, video streaming, photo editing, document creation, and more. The extra-large keyboard with a numeric keypad and control bar at the top combined with the trackpad makes this laptop easy to use for surfing the web as well as working. It connects easily to nearby signals with the high-speed 802.11 wi-fi adapter and Bluetooth 4.0, enabling you wireless connectivity between all your devices, even on the go.

Pros:

  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • 15.6” HD BrightView glossy backlit display
  • DVD-writer reads and writes CDs and DVDs like home movies or your favorite music
  • Full island-style keyboard with number pad and multi-gesture TouchPad
  • Windows 10 S Mode

Cons:

  • Initial setup can be difficult, according to reviewers, though HP does provide top-notch customer support
  • Weighs and costs slightly more than other HP laptops

3. Apple MacBook Air

Apple’s Macbook Air is a great solution for someone who loves the Apple brand and wants a laptop that will be easy to travel with, as well as packed with their favorite apps. The next-gen keyboard, slim recycled aluminum wedge-design, and brilliant display featuring four million pixels, all combine to make a truly luxurious experience that any level of user would love to enjoy. Combined with the durability and awesome customer support Apple is known for, the Macbook Air is a top-tier laptop for those who need performance as well as portability.

Pros:

  • 100% recycled aluminum construction is more eco-friendly than most laptops
  • Up to twelve hours of battery life on one charge
  • 13.3” retina display with TrueTone technology and wide-sound stereo speakers
  • Available in Space Gray, gold, and silver
  • 1.65GHz dual-core Intel i5 with 8 GB of RAM for fast performance

Cons:

  • Comes with Apple’s luxury brand price tag of over $1,000

4. ASUS Chromebook

Known to provide cost-effective quality, the ASUS answer to the Chromebook is an excellent solution for the multi-tasker that expects their electronics to be just as flexible as they are. The smaller, more portable 11.6” device has a hinge with an 180-degree axis, allowing it to transform into a tablet on command, opening up fully like a book for easy reading and group sessions. The durable design features rubber-grip edging and shock-resistant parts, because drops can happen to anyone. Also, this laptop is clumsy-friendly, with a spill-resistant keyboard. Seniors with vision concerns will love this machine for its easy-to-read keyboard, which has a 15% larger font size than other machines.

Pros:

  • Spill-resistant keyboard and rubber grips and bumpers make this machine clumsy-proof
  • One of the least expensive laptops on our list at only $200
  • 11.6” monitor with 180-axis swivel turns this laptop into a tablet with ease
  • Chrome operating system by Google
  • Seamless integration with Google Docs, making this machine perfect for work and study
  • 64 GB expandable SD memory card slot

Cons:

  • Battery might need replacing more often than other laptops- user reviews vary

5. Dell Inspiron 14 2 In 1 Laptop

Perfect for those that want a flexible, immersive entertainment experience and access to a world of fun and useful apps from the Microsoft Store, meet the Dell Inspiron 2-in-1 laptop. The quick processor and with the Waves MaxxAudio Pro speakers combine to provide a top-tier Dell CinemaStream experience, easily viewed from either flat like a laptop or tablet, or standing upright in the handy easel position. Document and photo editing is made easy with many free and affordable productivity apps, and plenty of cool games that users of all ages love.

Pros:

  • 14” ultra-vivid HD screen
  • Laptop easily flips open like a tablet for easy movie viewing and document editing
  • Loaded with Windows 10 S Home edition
  • Features Dell’s CinemaStream experience with MaxxAudio speakers and a vivid display

Cons:

  • Loaded with Windows S 10- if you want apps unavailable in the Microsoft store, you’ll need to switch to Windows 10, easily done if you follow this tutorial
  • At 5.6 pounds, this laptop is a bit heavier than others on the list
  • Costs nearly twice as much as the other 2-1 laptops on our list

6. Acer Aspire E 15, 15.6″ Full HD, 8th Gen

The Acer brand is dedicated to providing a comprehensive experience for all types of users, from casual to professional, all at a value. The Aspire E series laptop is perfect for those looking for high-speed processing on-the-go, with beautiful graphics and easy controls. Depending on the level of your workspace needs, you can choose to buy this laptop with the basic programs, or for an extra charge you can include the Microsoft Office 365 Suite, a model installed with Windows 10 Pro, or upgraded storage.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting battery can be used for up to 13.5 hours without needing to charge
  • 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8130U, 6GB RAM Memory
  • 13.5 hours of battery life
  • TrueHarmony speakers ensure an immersive listening experience
  • 802.11ac wi-fi featuring ultra-powerful technology wireless antenna
  • Built-in DVD drive

Cons:

  • This laptop is noted to have a slightly slower processing speed and as being a bit less durable than other models on the list, likely a result of the very low price tag

7. HP Chromebook

The HP Chromebook is a great laptop for those that want a powerful laptop that can convert to a tablet with its flexible and sturdy 180-degree axis hinge. This durable and lightweight option is great for the budget-conscious consumer who uses their laptop for school, work, or general entertainment purposes. Seniors love how easy it is to travel with this laptop, and the variety of fun Android games available to play in addition to the office suite and social media apps that everyone loves to use.

Pros:

  • 14” diagonal 1080p HD monitor
  • 4GB RAM and 32GB storage
  • Battery lasts up to ten hours on a single charge
  • Built-in webcam
  • Reviewers note that this laptop handles streaming games and working long hours well

Best Mac Mail App For Seniors Free

Cons:

  • Some users report battery issues in reviews

8. Apple MacBook Pro

Apple’s high-end laptop, the MacBook Pro has everything you expect from your favorite computer company, including an interactive TouchBar on the keyboard. Combining the classic user experience with state-of-the-art technology, this laptop features a stunning retina-display with TrueTone technology that provides up to 25% more colors than competing sRGB laptops, room-filling hi-fi soundstage speakers, and an ultra-powerful processor, ensuring no lag when streaming your movies or creating your projects. The least expensive version of this laptop comes with 128 GB of internal memory, and a 1.4GHz Intel Core i5 processor, providing more than enough power and storage for the average user. Showing their dedication to providing value to their customers whenever possible without detracting from their computers’ quality, the more expensive version doubles the memory and processor speed, for only $200 more.

Pros:

  • TouchPad at top of the keyboard has display settings, internet navigation, editing, and more
  • Bright LED backlight and high contrast ratio adjusts automatically to light around you
  • Dynamic soundstage makes you feel immersed in the music and movies you love
  • Triple microphones ensure the clearest voice calls and recording possible
  • Up to a 32 GB internal memory

Cons:

Best Mac Mail App For Seniors
  • The luxurious Apple experience costs much more than several other laptops on this list

9. MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-068 15.6″ Gaming Laptop

By the makers of some of the highest-reviewed gaming laptops on the market, the MSI GF63 is an ultra-lightweight option for those that want power as well as portability from their computer. Not only is this laptop super-thin, but it is also lightweight- without sacrificing power. Reviewers note that this gaming computer is super-portable and has zero lag when they are gaming, though online gaming might lag if the connection or wi-fi speed isn’t high enough. While this laptop is an excellent option for someone who is looking for an intense gaming experience, those who will need more memory and speed will be able to upgrade this machine but the upgradeable ports are noted to be difficult to reach by reviewers.

Pros:

  • Big keys on a red led-backlit keyboard and trackpad
  • 256 GB memory
  • Display: 15.6″ 1920*1080 full HD razor-thin bezel screen
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX1650 [Max-Q] 4G GDDR5
  • Intel Core i5-9300h 2.4 – 4.1GHz processor and 2 internal fans

Cons:

  • Reviewers note the trackpad feels less luxurious than on other models
  • Gaming may lag on slow connections

10. HP Stream 14-inch Laptop

In the theme of saving the best for last, this writer’s personal favorite and everyday laptop is the fast, lightweight, and stylish HP Stream, featuring many options to choose from through the manufacturer, such as the choice of an 11” or 14” screen, and a variety of fun colors. This laptop is affordable and a great choice for someone who just wants the basic functions of a laptop such as surfing the web, writing, and sharing pictures. The brightly-lit display is easy to see in any light, and the keyboard features brightness controls along with volume and media controls that work seamlessly with windows media player or internet browsers. This computer starts up fast and is loaded with Windows 10, as well as the Office 365, 1 TB of cloud storage, and a year’s warranty that includes 24-7 online tech support in addition to phone support during business hours.

Pros:

  • 4 GB internal memory has plenty of room for documents and pictures
  • Large, backlit 14” HD screen
  • Thin and light, weighing in at less than 3.5 pounds and measuring 13.27” x 8.9”x .7”
  • Up to 9 hours (video playback); up to 7 hours and 45 minutes (wireless streaming)
  • Windows 10 Home with one-year limited warranty with 24-7 web support.
  • Least expensive on this list coming it at under $200

Cons:

  • Tends to overheat quickly on flat surfaces
  • No room to upgrade memory
  • Sometimes prone to connectivity issues due to a very sensitive Wi-Fi detector

Further Resources

For more information about shopping for laptops and accessories, as well as getting the most from your new laptop, the following websites provide additional helpful information.

  • Skillful Senior: This helpful website offers tutorials and more to teach seniors how to make the most of their computers.
  • Microsoft Accessibility: Tips from Microsoft on how to adapt your computer to common situations faced by seniors.
  • The Senior’s Guide to Computers: This website offers a glossary of basic computing terminology and helpful articles for seniors new to computers.
  • Learn Free.org: Often cited as a good resource for beginners, GCF’s Learn Free offers basic computing courses online
  • Top Social Networking Sites: While not specifically for seniors, this list of sites will help anyone find the social networking platform that’s right for them. Whether you’re a casual user just interested in keeping up with friends and family or harnessing the power of social media for your business, you can find a site here.

Paying for a Laptop

Sometimes it can be difficult coming up with the funds for a new computer, but there are a few options to try that might help get you the laptop you need:

  • If you are over age 65, you might qualify for income-assistance through the social security office, called Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Visit socialsecurity.gov to find your local Social Security office to see if you qualify.
  • Refurbished laptops are machines that have been returned by the original owner to the company where the laptop will be repaired and factory reset. These laptops may or may not come with a manufacturer’s warranty, make sure to read the fine print to protect your investment.
  • Buying the newest model means paying the highest price- older versions of a great computer will be less expensive and still a great solution to your laptop needs. Also, some models are available with less storage, which might work great for you and save you some extra money.
  • Many stores offer credit cards, layaway, and loyalty programs, designed to help you easily obtain your more expensive wanted items. Check out Sears credit card, Walmart’s seasonal Layaway program, or Fingerhut’s online department store.
  • Rent-to-own stores like Rent-A-Center, Aaron’s, FlexShopper, and No Compromise Gaming offer low monthly payment plans, despite your credit score. Another great option for local deals would be to check pawnshops in your area, though you’ll want to make sure whatever you buy has at least a 30-day warranty- you might want to call ahead to make sure before taking a trip out.

Consider investing in a less-expensive type of machine if you only need simple features like entertainment streaming, access to books and music, and an app store. See our list of the 10 best tablets for seniors in 2020 for more information on what features tablets have on today’s market.

More senior citizens have smartphones than ever before, with 42% of adults over the age of 65 in the USA now owning one, a figure that has more than doubled in the last five years. While many take to tech like a duck to water, others struggle to get to grips with the intricacies of modern smart-phones, and perhaps find them inaccessible. Happily, apps are available to help solve these issues, as well as providing security, connectivity, and entertainment. We’ve rounded up some of the very best apps, all of which can help senior citizens make the very most out of their smartphones.

Apps to Increase Accessibility

While the iPhone’s simple user interface is oft-lauded, Android is a little more complicated to work with. This can be an issue for seniors who are not familiar with smartphones, and those who are visually impaired. Big Launcher addresses the problem by making the interface simple, large, and colorful. Functions such as phone, messages, and notifications are clear, while apps are listed with large icons and text.

When it comes to typing, the traditional QWERTY keyboard often proves to be less-than-optimal when squeezed onto a smartphone screen. MessagEase has reinvented the wheel and radically redesigned the smartphone keyboard, replacing it with just 9 large and customizable buttons, each of which can be manipulated to input different characters. Being such a departure from any other keyboard – physical or electronic – it takes a little getting used to. Once mastered, however, the large buttons can make typing much easier for seniors, or indeed anyone who struggles with the QWERTY design.

Another solution to text input is to do away with typing all together, and replace it with voice dictation. Apple’s Siri can do more than simply search the web and tell cheesy jokes. It can be used to make phone calls, send messages and emails, take notes, and a whole host of other features. Google’s inbuilt voice-to-text service is similarly functional, and can be activated by simply saying “OK, Google.” Speechnote is a third-party app that is perfect for longer dictations, and will keep listening even after long pauses, which cause most other apps to end the recording.

Best

Best Mac Mail App For Seniors Reviews

  • Big Launcher: $9.99 for Android
  • MessagEase: free for iOS and Android
  • Speechnotes: free for Android

The app for remembering medication

  • Reminders for all types ofmedication

  • Symptom and well-being checker

  • Printable health report you can sharewith your doctor

for iPhone
for Android

Memory

Forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, and technology is on hand to help reduce the impact of lapses in memory when it comes to health. With around 90% of people in the USA aged 65 and above taking at least one prescription medication, MyTherapy (free for iOS and Android) is an important tool in ensuring pills, tablets, and injections are taken as intended. Medication reminders can be programmed with an individual medication plan, no matter how complex, and promptly notify the user when it is time to take their meds. As well as being a pill reminder, added features such as an activity reminder, symptom tracker, and printable health report, make MyTherapy an excellent all-round health app for seniors.

Best Mac Mail App

As well as helping seniors stay on top of their health, apps can also relieve the burden of remembering where the car is parked. A plethora of apps are available to make a note of the location using GPS, and then guide the user back to their car later. Of them, ParKing for Android is one of the most sophisticated, particularly for anyone whose car has Bluetooth. Connecting to Bluetooth is usually a cinch, and once up and running, the app can log the car’s last location with no user input whatsoever, making it unobtrusive and remarkably easy to use. On the iPhone side of things, Follow My Car is free and simple, just requiring the user to tap a button when they want the location saved.

The more a senior uses their smartphone, the more passwords they are likely to acquire. These often require a mix of numbers, upper and lower-case letters, and special characters. For security reasons, we are told to not reuse passwords, to use random combinations of words, and avoid guessable information like names and dates. This can make remembering them almost impossible, and can easily discourage seniors from using their smartphones. Help is on hand though, in the form of password managers. One of the very best is 1Password, which can be unlocked with a master password or, even better, fingerprint recognition. All of the information is encrypted locally, and can be locked should the phone be stolen. The app, which is subscription-based, can also store credit card information, codes, and personal details. Family subscriptions are also available, to safely share passwords between relatives.

Best Mac Mail App For Seniors

  • MyTherapy: free for iOS and Android
  • ParKing: free for Android
  • Follow My Car: free for iOS
  • 1Password: free for iOS and Android. Subscription options available at 1password.com

Stay Connected

Just as Google has transcended from a noun into a verb, WhatsApp and Skype have become so synonymous with the act of instant messaging and video calling that they too have been verbed.

Considering the overwhelming use of these apps, they are the perfect tools to help senior citizens keep in touch with the family.

For those wanting to take things a step further, Oscar Senior is designed to be a one-stop-shop for allowing senior citizens to connect to their family. It integrates social media platforms, makes instant messaging and video calling easy, and is perfect for sharing photos. Its stand-out feature is the ability for remote connectivity. This allows family members to help solve problems, add contacts, and install apps on their relative’s device, from anywhere in the world.

  • WhatsApp: free for iOS and Android
  • Skype: free for iOS and Android
  • Oscar Senior: free for iOS and Android. Subscription options available at oscarsenior.com

Staying Safe

Best mac mail app for seniors freeMac

While 1Password can offer security to seniors in the online world, technology can also be a valuable safety tool in the real world. bSafe is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive safety apps. An alarm can be activated to send time-stamped audio and video to family members, as well as the location. The app can also allow family members to trace the location of their loved one, and pre-set timers can be arranged to send an alarm if the user does not check-in by a certain time.

A simple but potentially life-saving app is ICE – In Case of Emergency. The profile can be customized to include important health information, such as blood type, diseases, and allergies, as well as a list of emergency contacts. All of the information is accessible from the lock screen. Immediate access to such information can save crucial time in the event of any emergency. The app is available for Android, while ICE Medical Standard is an iPhone equivalent.

Red Panic Button is an app that delivers what the name promises. Once the phone and email information of a loved one is stored, seniors can have a message sent to their chosen contact in any emergency situation. The message will also contain location information, as long as GPS is enabled.

  • bSafe: free for iOS and Android
  • ICE – In Case of Emergency: free for Android
  • ICE Medical Standard: free for iOS
  • Red Panic Button: free for iOS and Android

Entertainment

On top of all the other benefits a smartphone offers, the icing on the cake is their capability to keep one entertained. Audible, now owned by Amazon, contains a vast library of over 200,000 audiobooks, making it the perfect source of literature for any senior living with impaired eyesight. A subscription includes one free book, plus one credit per month that can be used on any book, regardless of price.

For seniors who wish to reminisce and enjoy the radio of old all over again, Old Time Radio for Android, and OTR Streamer for iOS, each boast well over 10,000 shows from years-gone-by. From comedy and crime, to drama and westerns, both can provide hours of entertainment to listeners, completely free of charge.

Alongside the classic radio shows, Apple and Google both have a huge catalog of music, all of which can be streamed in their native apps, Apple Music and Google Play Music. Both have impression collections, including classical productions, and songs dating back decades. Songs can be streamed, or downloaded for offline use. Perfect!

  • Audible: free for iOS and Android. Subscription options available at audible.com
  • Old Time Radio: free for Android
  • OTR Streamer: free for iOS
  • Google Play Music: app installed by default. Subscription options available at play.google.com
  • Apple Music: app installed by default. Subscription options available at apple.com

If you found this interesting, you may like: