Millions of free iPads for Seniors
Can Apple and IBM change Health Care?
That was the title of a recent Forbes article that prompted me to comment, and my comment is the basis of today’s post. Basically, it was reported that IBM and Apple are partnering with Japan Post, that country’s largest health- and life-insurance company, to provide millions of free iPads for seniors with the aim of improving their health and their lives.
SORRY, but even though I’ve had dozens of requests for free iPads, that’s not something I can help with. My advice would be to ask your local senior center, because they often offer free classes.
My Response to the Forbes article
The Apple iPad is truly an amazing device for seniors. When they’re shown how to use it, the benefits go way beyond just extending life (i.e. more revenue from premiums for insurance companies) or improving health (less expense from claims).
How Training can Change Lives
Watch this video for several heart-warming examples after 46 seniors graduated from an iPad class put on by AARP and the Good Samaritan Society. They speak about how the iPad has changed their lives, and how they have since become avid users of e-mail, FaceTime, Facebook, Pinterest, games, and more.
I first saw this while speaking at the Broadband Communities conference on a panel about delivering fiber broadband networks to assisted living facilities, and it was in stark contrast to the story I told about speaking to a group of 40-50 seniors aged 85-95 here in Austin on The Future of Healthcare.
This senior audience was quite interested and surprisingly alert and engaged, but I was disappointed to learn that not one of them owned a PC, tablet or smartphone, or had ever used the Internet. That meant they were relatively isolated since they could no longer drive, but they also couldn’t do a video call with distant family members or friends, or share photos, or discover new things, or do e-banking even though their Social Security checks were deposited electronically. They were too often forgotten there in their assisted living facility and were desperate for people to come speak to them.
I told this story to the broadband conference audience, suggesting that beyond fast networks the seniors needed someone to show them how to use the Internet with apps they could relate to. The video was shown right after me — perfect timing.
*hi my dad went to be with the Lord and my mom lives alone she’s a senior citizen I got laid off of work and can’t afford a iPad for her I was reading and it saids nothing about free I pads for elderly seniors how can I be able to get one for her or who can I contact that can help to get for her thank you for your time I’m her daughter
Evilyn,
My article referenced a program with Apple and IBM in Japan, and I’m a huge fan of the iPad for seniors, so I wrote about it. But I’m disappointed that I was unable to find a Free iPad program for you and that I don’t have a better answer than this. As I searched Google, I did find good prices at BestBuy ($309.99 for iPad 6th generation with Wi-Fi & cellular, and $129.99 for a refurbished iPad without cellular). If your mom lives in a facility that provides Wi-Fi, she won’t need cellular, but I otherwise recommend it so she won’t have to worry about broadband service and a wireless router. Maybe there’s a shared computer she can use where she lives, or at a nearby library, but I understand that that’s not ideal.
*Is there a free iPad program in the San Diego County, CA. I live in a senior housing complex in San Marcos, CA. we have several senior citizens on fixed income living here
and would like this service, I believe we can supply the classes for instructions
*Thanks for your question. The referenced Forbes article said the Free iPads for Seniors program was a joint effort between IBM and Japan Post. I don’t know of a similar program for San Diego, but iPads aren’t all that expensive. They start at $329 from Apple.com, but you can pay about half for a refurbished one.
* Pearlie, Thanks for your question. I assume you mean Houston, but because I don’t live there or work for Apple, I can’t answer definitively. I instead refer you to the Apple stores that are located in all major shopping malls. Of course you could find them online and call them, but why not visit in person?
*where is there a free class for Seniors in Jouston, TX?
*Richard, You don’t need the latest iPad, and a used one should work fine. For a reputable source, I searched the Apple website for “used iPad” and landed here: https://www.apple.com/us/search/used-ipad/.
Prices start at about $229, and adding a cellular model adds another $100. If you already have a broadband Internet connection with Wi-Fi from your TV service, then you won’t need the cellular modem while at home. For travel, or if you don’t have Wi-Fi, cellular is what gets you connected.
You’ll want to use Apple iCloud to remotely backup your device, and their free version provides enough online storage for basic use.
I highly recommend visiting an Apple store for more advice and even to attend a free class or get personal assistance. They’re incredibly friendly and helpful.
*i am 83 what I pad should I buy cheap
*Thanks for your question, Taliyah. The referenced Forbes article said the Free iPads for Seniors program was a joint effort between IBM and Japan Post. It’s not available here, but iPads aren’t all that expensive. They start at $329 from Apple.com.
*Beautiful concept for staying abreast of technology. The devices also provide seniors with new perspectives of the trends in society. Device mobility can be therapeutic as well. I thank all involved with this visionary program to engage seniors in technology; instead of of just forgetting about them. We are people too!
How do I get involved with this program, and be able to receive a free iPad? I thank you for your timely response to this correspondence.
Taliyah