Find The Perfect Clocks For Seniors

Seniors have enough problems; telling time should not be one of them. Wall clocks for seniors need to keep in mind a wide variety of problems that they have while still looking fashionable and being able to work with almost any decor. This may sound limiting, and it is meant to be: A clock with numbers that are too small cannot be easily read from across the room is so useless as to be a waste of time. In that regard, those looking to purchase a wall clock for an elderly person would be advised to bear some of those issues in mind.

As noted the biggest issue will be the size of the numbers used on the clock. The biggest debate from the beginning will be hands versus numbers, and numbers should usually win. While clocks with actual hands will always look better as they have that classic feel, the hands can easily be confused unless the clock is rather large, making it a problem to combine with the usual decor. The size of the numbers should be easily readable from twenty feet, or almost 7 meters, for best effect, with a black and white display being the best possible option.

It should be noted that if hands are used they should not be too stylized. Past a certain point hands that deviate too far from the short/fat for hours and long/slim for minutes model will be virtually useless as they are too confusing for almost anyone to use. This is not to say that the hands should straight wedges, but that they should not be stylized to the point where they are hard to read. This also applies to the color of the face, hands, and numbers; while black and white are the ideal colors, any colors that provide a definite contrast to each other will work.

If there are buttons they should be large and easy to use. Most clocks dispense with buttons and just use a single winding device in the back; even battery-powered clocks usually just have the single winding device for the sake of simplicity. However, that device should be large enough for even the clumsiest fingers to manipulate. If buttons are present, then they should be large enough to be easily seen and manipulate. They should also be placed so as to add to the appearance of the clock rather than working for mere functionality. In short, the clock should not look like it was designed for the sake of having a clock and be designed for functionality as well as appearance.

It may sound trivial, but the clock should be designed to be powered easily. If it uses a power cord then the cord should hang straight down and plug in without anything projecting from the wall. If it uses batteries they should be easy to replace rather than requiring tools; even those requiring the use of a screwdriver should be avoided. It should be noted that this is one time that rechargeable batteries may be a bad investment given the relatively short duration of their charge. If possible, solar-charged clocks should be used.

Suffice to say that it should also match the decor in question. Too many people buy clocks that solve all of the other problems but the clock stands out like a sore thumb. Regardless of what other functions it may have, it still needs to match the decor and hide from view until needed. While this can create a number of problems just looking for such a clock, it is well worth it.

Thus, wall clocks for seniors should be the spirit of simplicity itself. The display should be sharp and easily visible from a distance, and the color should help not hinder that necessary legibility. Any buttons or other controls should be easy to manipulate and work with the design rather than against it. The power source must be easy to maintain and not create its own problems. It should also match the decor in question and not be too obnoxious. With those considerations, it should be easy to find a clock that works with your needs.