I have an iPad and kindle, I really prefer my kindle for reading, it’s so much lighter. I do make the font bigger.
Why isn’t anyone encouraging at least looking into this…which was recommended up stream by @carynap
3 Likes
For a 91 year old that is reluctant to do technology start with the Large Print books at the library. My library (where I volunteer) has a pretty good selection. If those work for him then just stick with that and don’t try to force an old dog to learn new technology tricks. It’s just going to make him feel bad if he has a hard time with it.
My 82 year old mother-in-law loves her Kindle, but she did start with it earlier and is pretty comfortable with her phone and computer and stuff. She still calls up my H for tech help all the time, but not usually with the Kindle. And I agree that an actual Kindle is probably a better choice than the Kindle app. It’s easier on the eyes with the LCD screen and it’s easy to use. I am not an old dog, though, (just a middle aged mongrel) and much prefer paper books. He may too.
My aunt, who had macular degeneration, used lighted magnifiers and seemed to like those.
1 Like
It’s far more likely that they just aren’t up on the latest literature.
Nobody said it wasn’t a great suggestion as a book source but it requires a tablet or computer etc to access. If you can use those then other things like the ipad, reading devices like kindle are the way to go and would not preclude bookshare.
In the meantime I think I’d still pursue getting cataract surgery or at least finding out if the blood thinner is truly a barrier. I do understand the reluctance of elderly (not to mention everyone else) to go through a seemingly endless hassle. It’s tiring and time consuming. But we’re talking a quality of life issue which is huge in this case. For someone who loves reading it’s a really big deal. I certainly would find a board certified doctor with an excellent track record. And the closest doctor unfortunately is not always the best.
1 Like
I think this is more likely a case of – parents were told X without asking about any alternative choices about X. It took my mother several months to convince him to get anything done at all, and now both of them feel defeated and overwhelmed by circumstances. She is not able to see the cataract surgery as safe, because the guy who did the first one – a local provider – is involved in a very public lawsuit over the very same procedure but it resulted in a blind patient. (So different provider, now)
I will investigate, along with my siblings, where they got this information and whether or not it can be changed or challenged. Our family hasn’t reached agreement on whether they need one of us with them at these appointments; I believe they do, sibs are on the fence, and parents of course think it is not necessary. COVID makes it fairly academic anyway.
I picked up some large print books from our local library sale table, and will drop them in the mail. Told Dad these are stupid books but at least he can have a sense of whether that format is sufficient. All of this feels like their revenge for us being fairly obstinate teenagers 
all your suggestions are appreciated. We are farming out various options to the clan , and working with Dad to figure out what size type is legible for him.
2 Likes
Give him a magnifying glass along with the large print books if the print is not large enough.
1 Like
Most large print books are 16 point. Maybe they can get that on the ipad and check it out easily.
Does your state have services for the blind and visually impaired? If so, reach out to them. Some places have a very large inventory of large print books.
If your dad really likes to hold a book and turn the pages, this might work.
The problem with this is that in order to magnify anything appreciably, the working distance is too short. Every 1x in mag takes 4 diopters. One time might be enough, but even that has a working distance under 10".
1 Like
This, exactly.
also, MaxHeadroom? that is awesome…
1 Like
M…m…m…Max Headroom here. 
1 Like
My aunt with macular degeneration had something like these:
https://www.amazon.com/MagniPros-Magnifying-Anti-Glare-Brightest-Degeneration/dp/B012ID4XAE/
https://www.amazon.com/MagniPros-Magnifier-Anti-Glare-Dimmable-Viewing/dp/B077W95VHB/
They are pretty readily available in stores like Walmart, drugstores, etc, and are cheap too. Might be worth pairing with the large print books and see how it works for him. It’s an easy learning curve compared to an e-reader, too.
1 Like