Video Chat Apps For The Elderly And People Struggling With Technology

Video chat apps are very helpful especially in this time when people are advised to stay at home while COVID-19 is spreading. Such apps allow people to stay connected and maintain communication with the people that matter to them, including family, friends and coworkers.

That said, not all people are well-versed with technology. There are some who do not know very much about devices, gadgets and apps in particular, which means they might find it hard to use the technology they need to stay connected.

Thankfully, there are some video chat apps that are simple enough to be used by anybody, whether it's an aging loved one who can't see very clearly, or those who find using elaborate apps difficult. Here's a quick look at these video apps:

Facebook Messenger Lite

Facebook Messenger Lite is a simpler version of Facebook Messenger that focuses on what matters most: text messages and voice or video calls. It is stripped off of some extra features like dark mode, message threads and extra animations, but still allows users to send photos and videos.

The simpler interface allows users to quickly read messages. It also helps avoid the unnecessary confusion caused by other details that the more detailed Facebook Messenger has. It doesn't require users to have Facebook accounts, too. It simply does the job for free, and can be installed on Android and iOS/iPadOS devices.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp might be owned by Facebook, but it doesn't have all the complexities that Facebook Messenger has. It has an easy-to-understand interface that makes communicating via the app easy, and offers privacy and security via end-to-end encryption of messages. WhatsApp's interface is so simple that some might find it easier to use than Facebook Messenger Lite, LifeHacker noted.

It can be used to connect with fellow WhatsApp users as well as people saved in a person's contact list on the phone. It can be installed for free on Android and iOS devices, and also offers dedicated Windows and Mac apps for desktop users for free. It also has a dedicate web client.

Oscar Senior

Oscar Senior is a secondary operating system that might require some setting up and will charge users a fee, but it does more than just allow the elderly to communicate. It has a very friendly interface that uses big, easy-to-read buttons as well as widgets with large text on them. It allows for sending messages, making video calls, and tracking care data that the elderly need.