subject: Why More Seniors and Babyboomers Are Buying Ebook Readers [print this page] Why More Seniors and Babyboomers Are Buying Ebook Readers
Ebook readers such as the Amazon Kindle and the Apple Ipad have been in the news lately. They're selling like hotcakes, with book lovers all over the world embracing the new devices. In the last year, extremely affordable versions of the Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, etc. have come on the market (there are plenty of options in the sub-$150 range), making them even more popular. But did you know seniors and babyboomers are embracing the technology too?
While there are always exceptions, we tend to think of new technological gadgets and gizmos as devices more likely to be adopted by younger generations. Ebook readers are proving to be an exception though.
Why Do They Appeal to Older Readers?
They're relatively easy to use for one thing. For example, with the Kindle, you can browse Amazon's ebook store directly from your device, read reviews, choose a book to buy, and have it wirelessly delivered to your reader. There's no need to plug in cords, hunt for folders, and transfer files. It's all done for you. This plug-and-play technology makes an ebook reader easy to use for any age group (lots of children are falling in love with the devices too).
Benefits for Older Eyes
While E-readers offer benefits for all age groups, one of their more appealing attributes--especially for those of us whose eyes aren't as good as they used to be--is the ease with which fonts can be changed and enlarged. If you like the idea of being able to read without your glasses, just boost the font size up a bit, and enjoy the larger words.
In addition, e-readers such as the Nook and the Kindle use E-ink technology to simulate the look of an actual book page. Unlike with back-lit computer and laptop screens, the "pages" of the ebook give off no glare or light, so they're easier on the eyes. No worrying about eye strain!
Additional Benefits
Some of the other reasons book lovers of all ages are picking up e-readers is that they are lightweight and can hold hundreds of titles at once. If you're retired and have the freedom to travel, you'll appreciate being able to have all your favorite authors along with you on the journey. No more worrying about being stuck with only the handful of books you can fit into your airplane carry-on bag.
E-readers also make it simple to look up a word in the dictionary. Just click on the unfamiliar vocabulary, and the device will define it for you. You can take notes or highlight a portion of the text if there's a funny line or a wise quotation you want to reference later.
As you can see, e-readers have a lot of attributes to make them popular with seniors and babyboomers as well as younger readers. Don't be afraid to try out the new technology. You might just like it!
