Updated September 8, 2023 – As someone who is at the age where I can’t read most anything without my reading glasses, I have to say that purchasing a Kindle eReader has been one of the very best gifts that I have given to myself in a very long time! I love my Kindle!
So, what is the best kindle for seniors? – The best Kindle reader for seniors is the new Kindle Scribe which has a 10.2 inch screen size, adjustable font / text size, the ability to hand write notes, and the longest battery life of all the Kindle products.
I purchased my Kindle Scribe model last year because it is easy on the eyes and since there are a really nice variety of adjustable font sizes, you can surely find a size that will make reading very easy for you. That’s very important for avid readers like me!
As a senior citizen, it can be hard to keep up with the newest technology. But you’re not alone!
There are many other seniors out there who are still trying to figure out how their new phone works or what an email is.
The Kindle seems like a great option for seniors because it’s simple and easy to use. Read on to find out why I think the Scribe model is the best one for older adults.
Which Is The Largest Screen On A Kindle?
The Kindle Scribe has a 10-inch screen with 300 PPI which is the largest screen of all the most current Kindle models.
Now, I also need to say that there is a Kindle Fire model that has a 10.1 inch screen.
Just in case you don’t know – “300 PPI” stands for the number of pixels found on a square inch of surface. In this case, it’s 300 pixels. The higher the number of pixels, the sharper the image / font is.
Comparing The Kindle Models
Here is a little information on each of the different models that Amazon has created in their line of Kindle eReader products.
All-new Amazon Kindle (2022 release)
- has a 6 inch screen with 300 PPI – screen is glare free
- measures 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32 inches
- weights 5.56 ounces
- 16 GB of internal storage
- screens are in black and white
- connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi
This is the model that has the cheapest price point.
Kindle Kids
- designed for kids ages 3 – 12
- has a 6 inch screen with 300 PPI – screen is glare free
- measures 6.3 x 4.5 x 0.53 inches
- weights 9.03 ounces
- storage capacity is 16 GB
- has parental controls
- screens are in black and white
- connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi
This model has a minimal interface which should make it easier for children to use. And, if it breaks within two years of purchase, Amazon will replace it!
There is a also a Kindle Paperwhite for kids.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021 model)
When the Kindle Paperwhite came out, it was touted as being one of the best e-readers of its time because you could read your digital books while sitting in direct sunlight. Previous versions of ebook readers didn’t have that capability.
Today’s model still has a glare-free display, which is one of the reasons why it’s still an excellent choice for senior citizens. In fact, it’s my second-favorite Kindle because I love reading a good book out on my porch.
- has a 6 inch screen with 300 PPI – and it has an anti-glare screen
- measures 6.9 x 4.9 x 0.32 inches
- weights 7.23 ounces
- storage capacity is 8 GB or 16 GB
- screens are in black and white
- connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi
The newest (2021) Kindle Paperwhite has double the storage of it’s predecessors and is also now waterproof which makes it perfect to bring poolside or to the beach or even into the bathtub!
It has a long battery life ( 10 weeks) and the front light can adjust the screen from a white to a warm amber light.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the same as the regular Paperwhite, with the main difference being that it features wireless charging and an auto-adjusting light.
Amazon Kindle Oasis
- has a 7 inch screen with 300 PPI – screen is glare free
- measures 6.3 x 5.6 x 0.13 inches
- weights 6.6 ounces
- storage capacity is 8 GB or 32 GB
- screens are in black and white
- connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi and/or cellular connectivity
This model has some cool features included in it such as…
- light on the screen is adjustable
- the page can rotate vertically and horizontally
- it has page turn buttons which makes it easier to hold the Kindle and turn the pages with one hand (no screen swiping)
Amazon Kindle Fire
Now, the Kindle Fire product is a combination eReader AND tablet. Which basically means that it can be used as an eReader like the other Kindle products but it also has the capability of connecting to the Internet like a tablet would.
There are currently 3 versions, Fire 7, Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10.
Personally – I do not recommend the Amazon Kindle Fire for seniors unless they are adept at using tablets and smartphones.
But if your senior loved one can manage using this combination product – I would say to you to consider it since it is basically 2 products rolled up into one.
You can watch movies, make phone calls to friends and family and much more with this one product.
But I will also say that I have a few friends who have this and although they like it – they do not give it amazingly wonderful reviews.
Maybe Amazon has a little more work to do on their Kindle Fire models!
- the models range from a 7 inch screen up to a 10.1 inch screen – they are NOT glare free – you have to purchase an additional glare screen protector
- measures from 7.6 inches up to 10.3 inches
- weights 16.4 ounces
- storage capacity ranges from 16 GB up to 64 GB
- screens are in color
- connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi
Amazon Kindle Scribe
The Kindle Scribe is the newest Kindle version and it combines an eReader with a digital notebook.
This means the user can hand write notes to themselves, draw, journal and more with the included basic pen. The model with the basic pen has 16 GB of storage.
There is also a version with a premium pen, which has a dedicated eraser and a shortcut button so you can easily switch from pen to highlighter. This version has a choice of 16 GB, or 32 GB, or 64GB of storage.
Both models have:
- a 10.2″ display that is high-resolution
- an adjustable warm light
- an auto-adjusting front light
- weigh 15.3 ounces (premium pen weighs 0.53 oz)
- measures 7.7 x 9.0 x 0.22 inches (pens
- larger font size
- magnetically attached pen
- convert your handwritten notes to documents
- organize your notes in folders and subfolders
- the longest battery life of all the Kindle models, according to Amazon (lasts months for reading and weeks for taking notes)
- connects to the internet via WiFi
What Is The Best eReader For An Elderly Person?
Overall, in my honest opinion, the one thing to look for when choosing an eReader for an elderly person is it’s ease of use. If the user cannot manage the product, then what’s the point?
Okay, so having said that I can tell you that the earlier models of Amazon’s Kindle (at least the one that I remember) had physical page-turn buttons on the side to turn the pages.
This seemed like a really good idea but what kept happening was that as I handled my e book reader, I would inadvertently press on that button and my pages kept turning! It was a little inconvenient.
Also, the older model Kindles could not be read in bright sunlight which also made it useless if I wanted to read my “books” outdoors.
In the newer models – to turn the page you simply swipe the screen. Which is also not perfect because if the font size is very large, there’s going to be a lot of swiping and also, it’s a bit difficult to swipe with one hand!
But, in the newer models you can certainly read your books indoors and outdoors which makes for a better reading experience! And you can take notes and organize your thoughts if you choose the Kindle Scribe.
Plus, your family member can read their favorite books on it before going to bed without worrying about the blue light on the screen keeping them awake, due to the auto-adjusting front light.
That said, if the senior has trouble using technology, then the Kindle Paperwhite or the basic Amazon Kindle will be easier for them to work with.
As I said, the best eReader for an older adult is the one they will use.
If you are getting a gift for a senior loved one, take into consideration their technical understanding and what they would most want the eReader to be able to do for them. Then choose accordingly.
Can You Read A Kindle In The Sun?
Yes, as I said earlier, with the newer Kindle models, you can read your books outdoors, in the sun, in the shade, wherever!
In fact, to read in the dark, you simply use the built-in light that they come with!
Pretty cool, right?
Which Kindle Is Easiest On The Eyes?
Another reason that I recommend the Kindle Paperwhite is because it is not “back lit” which makes it much easier on the eyes. It looks very much like reading a newspaper. (remember those?)
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite uses a technology called E-Ink (Electronic Ink).
E Ink displays are referred to as “reflective displays.” In an LCD, or “emissive display”, light from a backlight is projected through the display towards your eyes. In an E Ink display, no backlight is used; rather, ambient light from the environment is reflected from the surface of the display back to your eyes. As with any reflective surface, the more ambient light, the brighter the display looks. This attribute mimics traditional ink and paper, and users of E Ink displays have said that they do not have the same eye fatigue as with LCDs when reading for long periods of time.
GoodeReader.com
Suffice it to say that reading from an eReader that uses this E-Ink technology allows you to spend hours reading in comfort.
How Many Books Can An 8 GB Kindle Hold?
All of the Amazon Kindles are now available with at least 8 GB of storage.
There are also models that have 16 GB or 32 GB of storage. You can even purchase the Kindle Scribe with up to 84 GB of storage!
So, you may be wondering how many books is 8GB exactly?
Well, the 8 GB of storage can store approximately 6000 books! If you download audio books, the 8 GB storage can hold 35 of those.
So, if you listen to more audio books then I would recommend you purchase the Kindles with the larger storage of 32 GB or 64 GB.
Do Kindles Wear Out?
I had my first Kindle for 6 years before the battery wore out to the point where it would not hold a charge any longer.
Once that happens you can replace the battery in your Kindle and it should just keep on going.
I gave my first Kindle to a friend simply because I wanted the newer Paperwhite model which had just come out and allowed me to read my books outdoors.
That one was still going strong when I purchased my Kindle Scribe.
Overall – I’ve loved all of my Kindles and could not imagine having been able to read as many books as I have without them.
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