Smartphones and tablets made easy

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Home
Healthy ageing
About healthy ageing
Find out what healthy ageing means and the changes you can make to stay independent for longer.
- Myths about ageing
  Rethink what you know about later life. Bust some common myths about ageing that could be holding you back.
- Inspiration
  Get inspired by real stories and videos from older people. See how others have taken healthy ageing into their own hands.
- Frequently asked questions
  Find answers to common questions about healthy ageing. Get clear on available tools and services.
Resources
Resources
Discover practical tips, exercises, and products to help you stay active and independent.
- Find healthy ageing articles
  Read articles backed by evidence to help you stay healthy and independent.
- Find exercise sheets
  Check out these printable exercises (with pictures) to help keep your mind and body strong.
- Find activities
  Connect with your community. Use this directory to find social activities near you.
- Find helpful tools
  Explore this directory of assistive products. They're selected by clinical experts to make life easier.
- Navigating life changes
  With ageing comes change. Get tailored resources to help you prepare for times of transition.
- I have a health condition or injury
- I'm downsizing or moving house
- I'm grieving
- I'm preparing for new grandchildren
- I'm retiring or retired
- I'd like general healthy ageing info
- More about life changes
- Everyday tips
  Take a look at practical ways to make everyday tasks easier around the house, or out and about.
- Explore tips
- Cultural resources
- First Nations resources
  Access resources made by, with, and for First Nations people.
- Italian resources
  Access resources made with and for Italian people.
- Resources in your language
  Find LiveUp resources in different languages.
Self-assessment quiz
Take our 5-minute quiz – get personalised suggestions for activities, products, and tips tailored to you.
Take the quiz
About
About LiveUp
Learn more about LiveUp. Discover our mission to help older people live well and stay independent.
- Friends of LiveUp
  Read about the peak bodies and organisations we work with to improve the lives of older people.
- Testimonials
  'I found LiveUp to be so uplifting and inspirational and I'm so glad I found it! I thoroughly recommend it to all my older friends.'
  See more testimonials
Contact

Not sure where to start? Call one of our friendly navigators who can help you.Call - 1800 951 971

Smartphones and tablets made easy | LiveUp

Image of a daughter showing her parents something on the smartphone.

Feeling socially connected supports your mental health, physical health, and brain health. Your community is one of your greatest assets.

Today, smart devices like smartphones and tablets can make it easier to stay in touch with family, friends, and your healthcare team. Check out the examples below to learn more.

What are smart devices?

Smart devices connect to the internet or Bluetooth to make everyday life easier. This includes communication tools like smartphones and tablets, which you can use to stay engaged and in touch with others.

How to find accessible smartphones and tablets

Standard devices can feel overwhelming with unnecessary features and ongoing costs. If you prefer something simpler, there are pared-back options, designed with accessibility in mind.

But how can you find the right device for you?

Check trusted review sites

Find out what other people who are similar to you liked the most by reading reviews.

Review websites like CHOICE offer helpful resources such as:

The best-reviewed phones for older people in 2024
Tips for choosing the right tablet for you

Explore recommendations from occupational therapists

To get you started, LiveUp's occupational therapists have selected 2 user-friendly options below. These devices support communication without being overwhelming.

LiveUp is funded by the Health Department and does not make any money from these recommendations. Always check that a device suits your needs before buying.

KISA: A simple smartphone alternative

CHOICE reviewed the KISA Phone in 2021 as an accessible smartphone alternative.

The KISA Phone has no screen, just eight large tactile buttons you can label with names or photos. It also includes an emergency SOS button and GPS tracking.

You can buy this phone for under $600, including express postage. You can use your own SIM card or join a KISA monthly plan with no lock-in contract for $35 – $50 per month.

GrandPad: A simple tablet alternative

GrandPad tablet being used for a video chat.

SeniorLiving.org reviewed the GrandPad as an innovative tool, designed for older adults who are new to technology. With it, you can safely:

Browse the internet
Take and store photos
Video chat
Play games

The GrandPad features large icons and pre-loaded contacts to block spam. Just tap once to video call your family or GP.

In Australia, you can buy this tablet from Amazon for about $700. Then call GrandPad to activate your tablet and choose a plan: $65 monthly or $649 annually, with the first month free.

Choosing the right device for you

When choosing devices, remember to consider:

Your comfort with technology
Hand function and how you will use the device
Hearing or vision needs
Upfront and ongoing fees, and if there are subsidies available

Speak to a medical professional for personalised advice.

Need some help? You can reach out to LiveUp for support with general healthy ageing information on 1800 951 971.

References

Denis Gallagher. 2021. CHOICE. https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/phones/mobile-phones/articles/kisa-phone-review

Taylor Shuman. 2025. SeniorLiving.org. https://www.seniorliving.org/cell-phone/consumer-cellular/grandpad/

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.