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In this post, I am pleased to provide recommendations for the best remotes for seniors and the elderly that you can get right now.
My top picks for the best universal remotes for seniors and the elderly are:
- #1 – Flipper Big Button Remote
- #2 – Fire TV Cube With Alexa
- #3 – Continuous TV Remote
- #4 – SMPL Universal Remote
- #5 – Ziezii Universal Remote
- #6 – Nettch 2-Device Remote
- #7 – RCA 3-Device Remote
“Growin’ Old Ain’t For the Weak”
My fiesty mom, who was plagued by various ailments up until the time of her death at age 86, had a saying. She often told me, “Timothy, Growin’ old ain’t for the weak.”
It is hard to watch our loved ones get old. As seniors age, it often becomes more difficult to control their TV using a traditional remote control.
Our elders with arthritis, Parkinson’s, or even Alzheimer’s or dementia may be unable to use a remote effectively because of a variety of reasons. These can include reduced motor skills and poor eyesight.
This can be frustrating for seniors who otherwise derive much of their pleasure from TV watching. Let’s face it. For many seniors, TV is a big part of their daily and evening activities. A recent study by MedicineNet revealed that people over age 65 spend more than 25% of their waking hours watching TV.
As a son who lost two elderly parents last year, I recall all too well the challenges dear Nannie and Poppie had with their remotes. I provided many “technical support” visits to help fix TV problems, almost always related to their cable or TV remotes. This was often done at odd hours to get them back on track with their all-important TV schedules (Judge Judy and Meet the Press, LOL).
Luckily, there are now universal remote controls that make it easier for mom and dad (or grandma and grandpa) to watch their favorite shows. There are plenty of options depending on needs, and many of them are super affordable. I hope this blog post helps you find something that works best for your loved ones.
Best Remotes for Seniors: Top 3 Comparison
Here is a comparison of my top picks for the best remotes for seniors. I will go into more detail about all of my picks below.
Last update on 10/16/2024 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#1 – Flipper Big Button Remote
My first choice is this popular and well-rated remote from Flipper. Yes! This is just like the dolphin for those of you who remember that popular 80s family show.
What makes this remote special is that it is specifically designed for the elderly, people with low vision, and those that have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. It is one of the simplest remotes out of all those featured here, and it has nice large buttons.
It’s very simple to use, with basic features that include programming your favorite channels to remote locking to avoid any accidental clicks. This is an infrared (IR)-based remote, which means you can use it to control most TV and cable boxes out there.
📚 Related: Flipper Remote Review
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#2 – Fire TV Cube With Alexa
The product is a great way to introduce a new generation of cord-cutters to the joys of watching internet content on their TVs. With a single voice command, users can call up any TV show, movie, or sports event available on Amazon Prime. This makes it perfect for senior people as it eliminates the remote problem by adding voice control.
The only downside would be the setup of this device is a bit technical for an elderly person. That’s why the Fire TV Cube would be best gifted with a side of tech support by you. I’m sure your favorite seniors would appreciate your visit almost as much as the gift.
I own one of these myself and love it. Fire TV Cube supports all popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. It also supports 4K streaming. Plus, its easy voice navigation with Alexa and affordable price point have put it ahead of other streamers like Apple TV and Google Chromecast.
📚 Related: Alexa Fire TV Cube Commands
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Video
Here is a great video review of Fire TV Cube that I found over on YouTube.
Video Credit: ModernDad#3 – Continuous TV Remote
Next on my list of best remotes for seniors is this little streamlined remote.
It doesn’t get any simpler than this remote. With just six large buttons that light up vibrantly, it makes a great gift for the elderly living at home or in a nursing home.
It even comes with a wrist strap to prevent misplacement, and it is compatible with most TVs and many popular streaming devices.
I could so see my mom “wearing” this around the house.
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#4 – SMPL Universal Remote
SMPL Universal Large Button TV Remote is a universal remote control specially designed for seniors. It has large buttons that are easy to access and navigate. Set favorite channels, and power on devices in one click. It can connect with all TVs and set-top boxes with an IR receiver.
This remote can be used by seniors who might have difficulty using traditional remotes due to their button size, complexity, and discomfort.
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Video
Here is a nice video from the Alzheimer’s Store that shows how easy it is to use this remote.
Video Credit: The Alzheimer’s Store#5 – Ziezii Universal TV Remote
The Ziezii is one of the best remotes for seniors for two reasons: simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
It is easy to use, soft to the touch, and compatible with all major streaming devices through IR. Like most remotes designed for the elderly, this remote also has a streamlined button set while providing what is needed to help seniors enjoy their TV.
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#6 – Nettch 2-Device Remote
The Nettch Sony RM-EZ4 2-Devi is another remote that’s simple to use and compatible to work with multiple brands of TVs, including Sony. This remote can be used for both cable and satellite TV. Whether your favorite senior is forgetful or just likes to watch TV, memory backups are made to protect setup codes from being lost, even when replacing batteries.
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#7 – RCA 3-Device Remote
This remote is currently Amazon’s Choice, and I can see why. It is affordable, has almost every feature you could expect in a universal remote, and is compatible with most TV brands. While not as simple as some of the other remotes here, it is still relatively easy to use, and has fewer buttons than the conventional remote, yet it still offers the same experience as a normal TV remote.
Seniors can navigate their favorite channels, record their favorite shows (if they have a DVR), and connect to streaming devices like Roku with special streaming controls.
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FAQ
What is the easiest TV remote for seniors to use?
Answer: The Flipper Remote is often recommended as the easiest TV remote for seniors. Its user-friendly design, featuring large buttons and a simplified interface, makes it particularly suitable for those who may find complex devices challenging.
How do universal remotes benefit seniors?
Answer: Universal remotes simplify the user experience for seniors by consolidating control of multiple devices into one device. They usually feature large, clearly labeled buttons and a straightforward layout, which helps minimize confusion and improve accessibility.
Are there voice-activated remotes suitable for seniors?
Answer: Yes, the Fire TV Cube is a great option for seniors interested in voice-activated remotes. It allows users to control their TV and other devices using voice commands, which can be particularly helpful for those with mobility or vision challenges.
What features should I look for in a senior-friendly remote control?
Answer: Ideal features in a senior-friendly remote include large, tactile buttons, high contrast colors for better visibility, a simple layout, and ease of programming. Essential functions like volume control and channel surfing should be straightforward, without additional complexities.
Best Remotes for Seniors: The Bottom Line
When your loved ones reach an age when it gets hard to see or hold one of those traditional complex remotes provided by the major cable companies, a senior-friendly remote is a gift they will cherish. This counts double if you deliver it in person.
However, choosing one of the best remotes for seniors can be challenging. The size of the remote, the shape and size of buttons, the size of labeling, backlighting, wrist strap, battery type, and life are all factors to consider.
I hope you found this helpful. Which remote would work best for your favorite senior(s)?
Please leave me a comment below and let me know. I would love to hear from you.
Oh, and please take good care of yourself. Growin old ain’t for sissys.
Tim Brennan is a technology blogger and hosts the @TecTimmy YouTube channel. He writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. A graduate of Northeastern University School of Journalism, he has written about technology for 30 years. Tim lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.
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