People all over the U.S. are cutting the cord and turning to streaming. It’s easy to understand why: instead of paying a couple of hundred dollars for channels you don’t watch, you can access just the programs you want for a fraction of the price.
On top of this, instead of passively watching TV, which is known to decline verbal memory in older adults, streaming is more brain-stimulating since users need to actively choose what to watch next.
Seniors shouldn’t be left behind and miss out on this modern way of watching TV. Even though it might be a little more challenging to set up than cable TV, the process is simple and intuitive.
Like other age groups, the best streaming service for seniors depends on what they like to watch and their budget. Fortunately, considering the countless number of user-friendly streaming devices available, there’s a perfect one for everyone.
That said, it’s important to not just pick any accessible TV option for the elderly – it’s fundamental to do some research to find the right fit for you. For example, you’ll need to decide between paid or free streaming for seniors.
Sling TV is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a streaming service similar to paid TV. There are two $45.99 monthly packages on offer: Blue and Orange. For $60.99 a month, you can combine both plans and get 46 channels in total, with the option of customizing with paid extras.
Seniors can also stream Sling at zero cost without having to sign up, as the company offers a free subscription with over 600 TV channels to choose from.
For those who don’t care much about live TV but still want to keep up with their favorite shows, Hulu is a great option. It provides next-day streaming of current TV shows from popular networks like NBC, ABC, Fox, and more.
The service is also quite affordable, with prices starting at $9.99 per month. You can stream Hulu on many devices, including Roku, computers, and smart TVs. Plus, if for some reason you later decide you want live TV, Hulu also has packages that include that option.
Another option if you’re not bothered about live TV is Netflix. Its library has over 7,500 titles, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, stand-up specials, and more. It’s also brimming with classics, allowing subscribers to revisit the most acclaimed titles of back in the day.
Its price ranges from $7.99 per month to over $24.99, depending on your entertainment needs. In addition, you can stream pretty much anywhere, as Netflix covers all types of devices, including gaming consoles, cable boxes, smart TVs, and VRs.
| Feature | Sling TV | Hulu | Netflix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $45.99/month | $9.99/month | $7.99/month |
| Live TV | Yes | No (unless with the Live TV add-on) | No |
| On-demand content | Limited | Extensive | Extensive |
| Original content | Limited | Moderate | Extensive |
| Ads | Yes | Yes (optional ad-free) | No (except Basic plan) |
| DVR Storage | 50 hours (upgradeable to unlimited) | No (unless with Live TV) | No |
| Simultaneous Streams | Up to 4 | Up to 2 | Up to 4 |
| Sports Coverage | Limited (requires add-on) | Comprehensive (requires add-on) | Restricted |
One way to remove your TV bill is to go to your favorite network’s website. More and more networks are giving away their programs for free online.
Obviously, these are ad-supported, but that’s unavoidable on cable TV as well. ABC and CBS are just a few examples of networks that offer this type of service.
Tubi is one of the best free streaming services for seniors out there. It boasts a library with over 275,000 on-demand movies and TV shows, as well as more than 300 Tubi originals. Of course, you’re required to watch ads, but in our opinion, it’s a more than acceptable trade-off considering the large selection of entertainment at no cost.
While on-demand is this solution’s highlight, Tubi also provides live TV channels in various categories, including sports, comedy, news, lifestyle, and classics. Tubi supports many platforms and devices, including smart TVs, Roku, Chromecast, and mobile devices.
Pluto TV offers over 250 live channels, as well as hundreds of movies and TV shows, in an interface that closely resembles a standard broadcast experience. Plus, it features Paramount classics like Frasier and Star Trek and offers personalized and curated recommendations.
Essentially, Pluto TV provides a free and traditional TV experience with scheduled programming, multi-platform support, and diverse content.
On top of that, you don’t have to sign up to enjoy the perks of the service. In essense, Pluto TV is one of the easiest streaming services for seniors.
To experience streaming services, you’ll need a streaming-compatible device. This can be something as simple as a computer or a smartphone, but it’s better to have equipment that is works directly with your TV.
Many streaming services come already installed on Smart TVs, and if not, there’s usually the option to manually install apps.
When you log into a streaming platform with the senior’s credentials, make sure to check the ‘remember me’ box to minimize the number of actions to take each time. Ultimately, Smart TVs are a good option for seniors due to their built-in accessibility, customizable contrast and brightness settings, and integration with assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, which lets seniors control the TV using voice commands.
Roku is among the most popular streaming devices, as it allows you to manage all your streaming services effortlessly. Since it’s designed specifically for streaming, users can even sign up for new services within the device’s dashboard.
Most smart TVs nowadays already have Roku built-in. If that’s not the case, you can still use the streaming service by either getting a Roku TV (with prices starting as low as $179.99) or the budget-friendly Roku HDMI streaming stick (for as little as $29), which connects to any TV via HDMI. It features a simple interface, voice commands, and layout customization, making it ideal for seniors.
The Amazon Fire Stick works the same way as the Roku streaming stick, you just need to plug it into a TV via HDMI and it will start streaming the senior’s favorite shows right away. But this isn’t all that the Fire Stick can do.
You can install countless Android apps, play games, stream music, and then some. Probably the most useful feature for seniors is the Alexa integration, which offers programable buttons on top of voice control, simplifying the viewing experience.
JubileeTV is one of the easiest streaming devices for seniors looking for an intuitive TV viewing experience. This service doesn’t include any television programming or channels as it was specifically designed to simplify the viewing experience of existing TV setups, including Roku.
This service combines a user-friendly TV remote for the elderly with management options for families and/or caregivers, via an app. This makes it ideal for seniors living alone or in assisted care. It features video calling, remote assistance, AI-powered activity monitoring, photo and video sharing, and even non-intrusive activity detection.
Turn on the Smart TV.
Access the app menu.
Find and launch the app (SlingTV, Hulu, Netflix).
Connect Roku to your Smart TV using an HDMI cable.
Select the Smart TV input to the correct HDMI source.
Follow the on-screen prompts to pair the Roku remote.
Plug the Amazon Fire Stick into one of your Smart TV’s HDMI ports.
Plug the power adapter to the wall (do not plug the USB cable directly to the TV).
Turn on the TV and select the respective HMDI input.
Order and activate your account online.
When the order arrives, unbox it, mount it on the top of the TV screen and connect your TV’s power chord to Jubilee TV’s smart plug.
If you purchased a scheduled virtual install you can stop as a Jubilee TV’s employee will assist you in completing the setup.
Anyone who uses the internet for something as simple as a Google search should consider using a VPN. A Virtual Private Networks is a helpful service that protects users from hackers and government surveillance by end-to-end encrypting their connection.
In other words, it’s like your internet connection is inside a tunnel that nobody can enter. More than that, by allowing you to connect to servers from around the world, VPNs can trick streaming services into thinking you’re accessing it from other places. This means that you can access streaming content that isn’t available where you live, as well as watch free content from other states.
Obviously, this can be a challenging thing for the elderly to grasp. So, we recommend having a loved one to help set up the service. Most VPNs provide the option to launch with the device’s startup, so the family member can configure everything beforehand and be reassured that the senior’s internet activity will always be secure.
Beyond this, if the senior uses various devices, you can also set up the VPN on the router itself, which protects all the pieces of equipment connected to it automatically.
It’s easy to get lost in the ever-growing maze of channels, programs, and different streaming platforms – you may even feel that watching TV isn’t as straightforward as it once was. True, there are more options to choose from, but technology has evolved to be more intuitive and accessible than ever. As listed above, there are many streaming platforms that are either free or affordable, and pleasingly simple to set up and use.
The same goes for streaming devices. These practical inventions make selecting and watching your shows a breeze, with simple interfaces, minimalist remotes, and even voice control. Setting up new streaming software and hardware may take a small financial investment and time to get used to a different system, but it will open up a world of entertainment for you or your loved one.
Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other users. Your feedback helps our community make better decisions.
©2012-2025 Best Reviews, a clovio brand –
All rights
reserved
