Older veteran needs more cognitive stimulation to thrive
Dear Live Grand:
My dad is 81 and lives in a veterans’ home due to physical problems. While he enjoys his social life there, he’s more capable than many of his companions. He loves poker but no one can play at his level, so he misses that. He also likes music, especially popular music from the 60s and 70s. It bothers us that he mindlessly watches TV just for something to do. What he doesn’t need is another type of entertainment offering no interaction or challenges. Would a GrandPad be right for him? – LS
Dear LS:
While there is a place for TV, it’s not a healthy option when used just to fill time. On the other hand, a GrandPad provides older adults with an abundance of stimulating choices that can greatly enrich their lives.
Since you mentioned that your dad is a veteran, we immediately thought of GrandPad’s Internet app where he could read about veterans’ lives and the issues that interest them. Pre-set options like AARP, NPR, and Growing Bolder would be perfect starting points though he could also safely use YouTube to view patriotic celebrations and music videos.
With GrandPad’s Games app, he wouldn’t need to worry about finding partners capable of his level of play. Whether he likes poker, Texas Hold’em, blackjack, or bridge he’d be challenged. The Memory game option may interest him as it allows the user to choose their difficulty level. GrandPad’s game nights and tournaments could give him a boost, as well. There are even prizes for most games played, most won, and participation.
We think that he’d have fun with the Radio app, too. The GrandPad Radio pre-set is popular for music and talk. Radio Recliner is another hit with people in retirement living since it’s hosted by individuals in similar circumstances. If he already has a favorite station, the family admin could add that as an option.
Music is universally loved and GrandPad has loads of choices. He’d easily find music to enjoy within the Music app including the options that focus on the 60s and 70s. The Add to Collection button creates a personal Music Collection.
GrandPad users love the Photos app for viewing pictures that the family admin has uploaded. This app supports videos, as well, so that new videos of fun events could be shared with him. Even photos and videos the family posts to Facebook could be shared if this feature is chosen.
The easy-to-use video/audio Calls function means he’d never wonder who is calling since he’d see their photo and then just touch Answer. He could place calls just as easily. Zoom meetups are a cinch, too, so he needn’t be left out of those.
Studies have shown that people can preserve their cognitive abilities longer if they have mental challenges like those they would find on a GrandPad. Your dad sounds like he’d both enjoy and benefit from having a tablet to fill the hours where he’s currently using TV as a time-filler.
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