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 model for seniors is the new Kindle Paperwhite which is now waterproof and includes twice the amount of storage that previous Kindle models. The benefits of the Paperwhite model is that it can be read indoors and outdoors.
I purchased the Paperwhite model last year for that very purpose – to be able to read it outside in my front porch.; It’s easy on the eyes and since there are a really nice variety of font sizes, you can surely find a size that will make reading very easy for you!
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 Paperwhite model is the best one for older adults.
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Which Is The Largest Screen On A Kindle?
The Kindle Oasis has a 7 inch screen with 300 PPI which is the largest screen of all 4 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 hither the number of pixels, the sharper the image / font is.
Comparing The 5 Kindle Models
Here is a little information on each of the 5 different models that Amazon has created in their line of Kindle eReader products.
Amazon Kindle
- has a 6 inch screen with 167 PPI – screen is glare free
- measures 6.3 x 4.5 x 0.3 inches
- weights 6.1 ounces
- storage capacity is 4 GB
- screens are in black and white
- connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi only
This is the model that costs the least.
Amazon Kindle For Kids
- has a 6 inch screen with 167 PPI – screen is glare free
- measures 6.3 x 4.5 x 0.5 inches
- weights 6 ounces
- storage capacity is 4 GB
- screen are in black and white
- connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi and/or cellular connectivity
This model has a minimal interface which should make it easier for children to use.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2020 model) – Recommended
- has a 6 inch screen with 300 PPI – screen is glare free
- measures 6.4 x 4.7 x 0.5 inches
- weights 10.2 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
The newest (2020) 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!
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 6.8 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 is the newest and most expensive Kindle model but it 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 from 10.1 ounce up to 17.8 ounces
- storage capacity ranges from 16 GB up to 64 GB
- screens are in color
- connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi and/or an Amazon data plan
Amazon Kindle Voyage
This is an older Kindle model with the following features:
- has a 6 inch screen with 300 PPI – they are NOT glare free – you have to purchase an additional glare screen protector
- measures 6.4 x 4.5 x 0.30 inches
- weights 6.3 ounces
- storage capacity is 4 gb
- connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi only
Right now in the USA this model can only be purchased as a used / previously owned product. Amazon does not manufacture or sell this product any longer. But, I did read in yesterday’s news the following:
Amazon is going to be selling new models of the Kindle Voyage e-reader once again. The WIFI only model is available for pre-order in Germany and the United Kingdom, it is expected to start shipping out on February 4th, 2020. Other markets will start to see the Kindle Voyage listings sometime in the next few days.
Goodereader.com
So, if you have used this model before and would prefer to stick with what you know – you do have some time to purchase a new one if you can do so from Germany and/or the UK. Otherwise, you can purchase a used model.
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 Kindle models (at least the one that I remember) had 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 Kindle, 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 the 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 is great!
Can You Read A Kindle In The Sun?
Yes, as I said earlier, with the newer Kindle models like the 2020 version of the Kindle Paperwhite – you can read your books outdoors, in the sun, in the shade, wherever! In fact, to read this model in the dark, you simply use the built-in light that it comes with!
Pretty cool, right?
Which Kindle Is Easiest On The Eyes?
Another reason that I recommend the Kindle Paperwhite 2020 model 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?
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is available with 8 GB of storage and also there’s one with 32 GB of storage. So, you may be wondering how many books is that 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 to purchase the Kindle with the larger storage of 32 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 allowed me to read my books outdoors.
Overall – I love my Kindle and could not imagine having been able to read as many books as I have without it.