What do you think about e readers for someone over 80 and not able to learn much

[applegrove]

that is new? Is it too hard to teach somebody with dementia new technology or are they simple enough that if you set it up they can turn the pages? I don't know anyone who owns an ereader. Just wondering. My mom's glasses don't work half the time so changing the font size would be a big plus. Books are often to heavy for her to hold. And I'll be getting a modern computer in a few months that will be able to download. I don't know...can you download directly from a kindle? Or do you need a computer?

[seabeyond]

1. kindle is so light and simple. so simple. yes, i can get a book downloaded from kindle

generally, when i dont know what i want, it use my computer. but i remember one time i did it from my kindle. will have to look at it again.

[applegrove]

2. thanks.

[Arkansas Granny]

3. I don't have any experience with dementia, but if your mom is still able to read

she could probably handle an e-reader. I haven't used other readers besides the Kindle, so I can't compare any features. Books can be downloaded directly to a Kindle and only one button is used to turn the pages. The font is adjustable. I find my Kindle easier to holdl than a regular book because I don't have to hold the pages open and it's lighter than most hardcover books.

[pokerfan]

4. I found this

Dad, Dementia and the Kindle DX:

Dad’s response is that the Kindle has opened up a whole new world for him. For starters, he says he never loses his place in the Kindle. He simply turns on the Kindle and he’s right where he left off. Another big plus he notes is that the font is adjustable and so this allows him to read quite quickly through each page. Add to that the fact that the Kindle’s e-ink screen is easy on the eyes and he can read outdoors on the deck or in the house with no glare and you have a winning combination.

I also suspect, that unlike the computer and websites that are constantly changing—think Facebook among others—the Kindle has remained static… something that Dad can rely on being the same, day in and day out. For him, reading has opened up a whole new world that he can now access on his own terms. And, while his world may be shrinking on the outside, the Kindle has allowed him to broaden his world on the inside and keep his mind active.

http://crencontre.wordpress.com/2011/07/29/dad-dementia-and-the-kindle-dx/

[TreasonousBastard]

5. have several Nooks, and am considering one for my mother...

although she's not into reading much any more.

The plain e-ink readers don't have backlighting, so someone with older eyes may have problem reading them if the light isn't just right. OTOH, they have matte screens so if the light is very bright, they are easier to read with no reflections. From what I've seen, color Nooks have less reflective screens than Kindles, so are easier to read in all conditions.

My Color Nook is a little heavier than the mono one, but probably not by much, and not a problem at all if there is something to prop it up on even if she has really weak hands.

Downloading? Sure. I can download with either the Nook PC app or directly from the gadget. In either case everything I download goes into every registered device I have (PC app, original Nook, Color Nook, and an Android tablet with a Nook app). I can also "sideload" books, pictures, videos and all sorts of stuff from the computer to the Nook. Gotta have a WiFi connection to download directly to the Nook, though. Same with Kindles.

I also have newspapers and magazines downloaded automatically. There are monthly charges, but it works flawlessly, as long as there's WiFi available.

And, I can watch Netflix movies, listen to music on Pandora, and a few other things. Monthly charges for some things, others might be free.