INTRODUCTION:
GPS devices are an absolute necessity for people who drive and don’t want to put extra effort in looking for directions in order to find their destinations. If you depend on your memory or help from family or friends there is a chance that you will not reach your desired location on time or not at all. It is almost impossible to get lost with the high-tech GPS systems available these days.
GPS can help take and bring your aging loved ones to and from a place safely, ensuring you peace of mind. GPS stands for global positioning system. It is the only device that tells you your exact position, any time and in any weather. It also tells you the best possible route to your destination. GPS lets you reach your desired location as you planned. It is a great invention, especially for seniors. Navigations systems of this day and time are more sophisticated than ever. You can easily find one that suits your lifestyle and budget.
In this article, we have put together a list of the best GPS devices for seniors that will help them reach their destination as smoothly as possible.
Best GPS for Seniors
5. Garmin DriveSmart 61 GPS Navigator
This narrow bezel PS unit is appropriate for seniors with long-sightedness. It is lighter and smaller than most GPS units you would see out there. It is about 1.9 cm thinner than most GPS devices. You can download Garmin Express to your PC or Mac and update your maps and software. You get new maps almost monthly. The display has a resolution of 1024 X 600 pixels in a 6:19 format. It uses W-LED backlight for clear images, text, better daylight readability, and better brightness.
Garmin GPS devices use Here maps. Here produces maps in 200 plus countries and offers voice navigation in 90 countries. It gives live traffic information in 33 countries and provides indoor maps for 49,000 buildings in 45 countries. This GPS device takes you to your location through the most direct possible route. Its menus system is intuitive and logical. It has an accurate speed indicator and also provides local speed limits. It offers you the shortest possible route and also has an option to avoid tolls.
It removes clutter from the screen for a clear view. Its picture and intersection guidance are great. If you connect it to your smartphone with the link app it provides, you will get TripAdvisor, Foursquare, LiveTrack, and notifications for SMS, calendar, etc. Its tunnel emulation mode is also quite accurate. It is compatible with WiFi. It uses a lithium-ion battery that lasts for an hour. It also allows Bluetooth calling.
Pros
- Stylish build
- Easy to use
- Good voice and touch controls
- Lightweight
- Provides regular updates
Cons
- The notifications and live alerts can get distracting
- Gets cluttered when it gives live information
Driver Alerts: This navigation system alerts the driver when it detects curves, speed changes, railroad crossing or animal crossing ahead. It will also let you know if you’re going the wrong way or nearing a school zone.
4. Aonerex GPS Navigator
Aonerex is another brand that makes very advanced GPS navigators. This navigation device features a very sensitive GPS. This device has a 7 inches TFT LCD touch screen. The touch screen is sensitive and has a display resolution of 800 X 450 pixels. The big screen allows you to comfortably use touch controls with your fingers. It is made with tempered glass and high-quality sensors. The viewing angle is full and brightness is 500 cd, which allows you to see clearly even in the sun.
This navigation device has up-to-date maps of at least 101 countries. The maps can be displayed in 2D and 3D. This car GPS lets you choose between 4 routes (fast, green, short, and easy). It supports GPS time and maps time settings. It also supports FM broadcast. It is an FM transmitter and transfers sound to your car. It catches strong signals, no matter where it is. The voice navigation guides you in red lights and speed limits. It also alerts you quickly in lanes and turns.
It is very easy to use and is highly portable. It comes with a CPU, built-in 8 GB ROM, and 256 MB RAM. It can support up to 32 GB of data. It can store countless maps and other materials. It also comes with a car charger, sunshade, clip holder, and back bracket mount. Its screen displays the current time, speed, speed limit, street, and arrival time. This device comes with a 30-day return policy and a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Can transfer sound from FM radio
- Offers space (memory) for storage of maps and other data
- Comes with two different mounts
- Easy to use
- Large display
Cons
- The screen shows glare in daytimes
Life-time free map update: This navigation device provides free lifetime 2D and 3D map updates of North-America. All that you need to do is contact them and you’ll get your updated maps in time.
3. TomTom GPS Navigation Device
TomTom was the first-ever company to introduce digital maps for drivers. This device comes with lifetime traffic and maps updates. This robust device has a bog 6 inches screen that gives you a clear view of your screen and whatever it displays. You can mount it on your windshield or dashboard. The mount that comes with it will fit in both places. You can also flip the screen to suit your needs.
The maps and routes are very accurate, you will never be lost with this device. The voice navigation can guide in 30 different languages. You will always get the latest maps of the US, Canada, and Mexico free of charge. Maps of your favorite locations will be saved and will be there even after updates. This device features IQ routes, which is a comprehensive database of routes and travel time. This feature lets you choose the fastest possible route to reach your destination. You can select your favorite voice for voice navigation too, including celebrities.
This device continuously develops its traffic update system to give the best alerts in any traffic jam that you might face. It will also keep track of your speed and will alert you regularly if you cross the speed limit. You will never lose your way with this device. If you want to change the route, it will quickly find you a new route to your destination. It comes with a car charger, USB cable, a reversible integrated mount, and a lithium-ion battery.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Offers free lifetime map and software update
- Gives accurate and timely traffic alerts
- Supports SD card
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Relies on radio signal for traffic alerts
- Doesn’t support Bluetooth
Spoken Instructions: This easy-to-use navigation device speaks instructions to you in 30 different languages.
2. Garmin Drive 51 GPS Navigator
This GPS navigator will ensure a smooth ride. It is dedicated to helping you find everything that you might need on a trip. It is very easy to use. It comes with a lifetime map update. It has a 5 inches dual-orientation display. It lets you know about your surroundings and will alert you if a road curve, animal crossing, or railroad comes in your way. It will also alert you about speed changes and notify you about nearby red lights and speed cameras.
It will also notify you about school zones or if you enter a one-way street the wrong way. It takes care of you and gives you fatigue warnings and also lets you know of nearby rest places. It connects with your smartwatch too. You will get alerts on your watch even after parking your vehicle and navigating you until you reach your destination. You will not feel lost in unknown places with its TripAdvisor.
This device has a Direct Access feature that lets you know about the nearest entrances in places like airports and malls etc. It will also help you find easy exits from parking lots. Foursquare lets you see and do so much more. It is loaded with places that are worth visiting. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Pairs with your smartwatch
- Is easy to use
- Accepts microSD card
- Gives you speed change alerts
Cons
- Doesn’t have a built-in dash camera
- You have to pay for pre-loaded maps of Canada
Trip Advisor: If you are in a strange place and don’t know where to go, the trip advisor feature of this navigator will prove very helpful. It will show you all the fun places you can go.
1. Highsound GPS Navigator
This sleek and reliable navigation device is affordable and very useful. Its build might not be able to compete with the more expensive options out there but it offers everything that the pricey devices offer. It offers free lifetime map updates. The voice navigator will direct from turn-to-turn in 40 languages. It is a touch screen and has a display size of 7 inches. There is also an option of 3D navigation on selected landmarks. It comes with a car charger, a USB cable for data transmission, suction cup mount, sunshade, and a user manual. The mount adjusts for direction. The device features a 3.5 mm audio jack, TF card slot, and a USB jack.
Pros
- Alerts you about school zones and speed limit changes
- Is very simple and easy to use
- Has over 1 million stored maps
Cons
- Poor battery life
Warranty: This navigator comes with a 90-day money back warranty and a lifetime warranty for fixing any issues that it might have later on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can GPS devices be used as odometers and speedometers?
A GPS device should be used for navigation and should not be expected to provide accurate information about speed and distance. However, they do provide information about distance and speed. But still, you should solely depend on your GPS device for this information as these factors vary depending on the accuracy of GPS positioning at that time.
2. Do GPS devices come in other languages besides English?
Many GPS devices have multiple language options. For example, the GPS device by High sound in this list offers navigation in 40 languages. You may also be able to download maps for other countries but you may have to pay a fee.
3. When should I update my GPS device?
Almost all GPS devices are ready to use when you take them out of the box. Even if it is relatively new, there will more likely be updates available. All of the GPS devices on this list offer free lifetime map updates and some offer free software updates.
4. Does the GPS device drain the car battery when the car is off?
This depends on the vehicle. Some extra ports remain on even when the car is turned off. The GPS device might drain your car battery if the device is plugged-in and not in use.
5. Do GPS devices support SD cards and WiFi?
Not every device does but some of them do support microSD cards and also compatible with WiFi. Normally, you will be able to use cards up to 64 GB of memory that store your maps and other material.
Conclusion
GPS devices are smart and useful inventions. These devices don’t require a data connection. They take you to your desired locations as soon as possible. All of our picks are easy to use with large displays that make navigation very easy. They are all very suitable for senior drivers. You will never lose your way again with these devices on-board. We have included pricey and affordable options. We hope you find what you’re looking for. Good luck!
