Family Stories, Movie Nights, and the Best Tablets for Seniors

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Preserving your family’s stories can be one of the most meaningful gifts you pass down. From old photos to handwritten recipes, these pieces of history give younger generations a sense of identity and belonging. Here’s how to share your story—no matter your budget or comfort level with technology.

Begin with what’s already in your hands: photo albums, journals, or letters. Pick a few meaningful memories—childhood traditions, family moves, or moments that shaped your values—and jot them down. If you prefer speaking to writing, use your phone’s voice recorder or Notes app to tell your story aloud. Even a few short recordings can become treasured keepsakes.

To digitize memories, try Google PhotoScan to scan old photos or organize them using Shutterfly. These tools make it simple to preserve what you already have without needing special equipment.

💌 If you found these ideas inspiring, forward this newsletter to a friend. Sharing stories together can make the journey even more meaningful.

Few things beat the simple joy of watching a movie together. A little planning turns it from “just another night in” into a cozy memory your grandkids will talk about for years.

Little ones love movies that feel familiar and gentle. Animated favorites like Finding Nemo, Toy Story, or The Secret Life of Pets are always hits. Keep the setup simple: a blanket fort, soft lighting, and a few stuffed animals make it special. You can even turn the snacks into an activity—let them “decorate” their popcorn with a few chocolate chips or cereal pieces.

If you already have a streaming service like Disney+ or Netflix, check their “family” section for movie ideas. If not, many libraries now let you stream films for free through apps like Kanopy or Hoopla.

Older grandkids love being involved in the planning. Give them three movie options—something nostalgic, something funny, and something new—and let them vote. Adventure or feel-good movies like Paddington 2, The Goonies, or Encanto work across generations.

If you’re watching from different homes, use Teleparty (available for Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video) to sync the movie and chat in real time. You can also start a video call on Zoom or FaceTime and press “play” together for a low-tech version of the same idea.

Quick Tip:
Don’t worry about the perfect setup. The laughter, inside jokes, and shared popcorn spills are what make a movie night unforgettable.

Choosing a tablet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you want to video chat with family, read the news, or play a few rounds of solitaire, the right device should feel easy, not intimidating. Here’s a breakdown of the best tablets for older adults—some built specifically for simplicity, others that can be easily customized to fit your comfort level.

If you want something truly simple, the GrandPad Tablet is designed for seniors from the ground up. It has large buttons, no passwords, and comes with built-in customer support. You can make calls, share photos, and check emails without worrying about updates or pop-ups. It’s the easiest option if you want a “just works” experience.

Another good choice is the Amazon Fire HD 10. It’s affordable and offers voice control—just say, “Alexa, open YouTube,” and you’re there. While it’s a bit more open-ended than the GrandPad, you can simplify it by enlarging text and turning on parental controls to hide unused apps.

For those who feel comfortable exploring tech, the Apple iPad (9th Generation) strikes a perfect balance between power and ease. It’s intuitive, has an accessible “Display & Text Size” feature, and connects seamlessly with FaceTime and Messages for keeping in touch.

If you prefer Android, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ includes an “Easy Mode” that enlarges icons and simplifies navigation. It’s a great middle ground for anyone who wants a more traditional tablet but doesn’t want to fuss with complex settings.

Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Flat black disc prized by audiophiles before (and after) CDs and streaming.

YLVIN CORERD

Help a life story get told, earn thousands: Refer someone to MemoirGhostwriting.com and earn 12% of what they spend. Find out more here

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