The Guide to TV Video Calling for Seniors

It starts with something small: a missed call, a dropped video, a moment where your mom can’t quite find the “answer” button on her phone. For many families, connecting through video calls has become a lifeline for staying close. But as parents and grandparents age, those moments often become frustrating: shaky phones, muffled audio, confusing interfaces, or simply screens too small for aging eyes.

That’s where television video calling changes everything.

Large-screen communication takes what already works — the comfort of seeing loved ones face-to-face — and removes the most common barriers for older adults. It improves lines of communication with a system built for the way seniors actually live, see, and hear.

In this guide, we’ll explore why small devices often fall short, how TV-based video calls improve connection and reliability, and why JubileeTV is becoming the go-to solution for families who want their loved ones to stay close (without the stress of complicated technology). 

Even the most intuitive phone or tablet can create real barriers for older adults, which is why TV video chat for seniors has become such a helpful alternative.

Aging eyes naturally experience issues like presbyopia and cataracts, both of which affect clarity and focus. According to a 2021 study by the National Library of Medicine, nearly 28% of adults ages 71 and older experience some form of visual impairment that affects daily device use.

Further, the American Academy of Ophthalmology states that by age 65, one in six Americans has a vision impairment that can’t be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. 

The combination of blurry faces, tiny buttons, and text that’s hard to read makes the experience less engaging and often stressful, rather than enjoyable.

Beyond screen visibility, the interface complexity of modern video calling apps on mobile devices can cause significant frustration and lead to technology anxiety. Swiping, tapping, or navigating multiple apps can feel overwhelming, and missed software updates or permissions can block calls altogether.

This challenge is so acute that, in one gerontology study on technology adoption, a participant noted their complex device was discarded because, "If it were as easy as turning on the TV, then it could have stayed, I guess." The gold standard for assistive technology must be this level of simplicity.

Phone and tablet speakers aren’t designed for clarity at conversational volume. Audio quality issues from small, weak device speakers means they may hear something, but not clearly enough to follow a fast-paced conversation or recognize a grandchild’s voice tone.

This is especially true for seniors with mild hearing loss. The National Institute on Aging notes that about one-third of older adults experience hearing loss, and the likelihood of it increases with age.

For many seniors, holding a phone at the right angle while trying to see and speak comfortably isn’t easy, especially for those with arthritis or mobility limitations. 

Here’s the thing: Seeing and hearing your loved ones clearly makes a bigger difference than you might think. Moving video communication from small mobile screens to a large TV display fundamentally improves the experience for seniors.

• Enhanced visibility and facial recognition:A large television screen restores a natural sense of scale. Facial expressions, hand gestures, and small details are clear and easy to interpret.

• Superior audio clarity: With the TV’s built-in or connected speaker system, conversations sound more crisp and full-bodied. 

• Hands-free comfort: No holding, balancing, or tapping required — seniors can sit comfortably and naturally without the burden of holding a device. For instance, JubileeTV’s auto-answer feature means loved ones don’t need to lift a finger to connect. 

• Familiar environment reduces tech barriers: The  TV remote is one of the few devices nearly every senior already knows how to use. By leveraging that familiarity, TV video calling replaces anxiety with confidence.

• Perfect for group or family gatherings: Large TVs make it easy for seniors to join family video calling systems, whether it’s a grandchild’s birthday, Sunday dinner check-in, or a holiday call. 

Beyond comfort, JubileeTV offers technical advantages that make communication smoother, clearer, and more reliable. 

JubileeTV connects easily to most modern televisions and Wi-Fi networks. There’s no need for a new smart TV or separate streaming box.

No more (or, at the very least — fewer) awkward close ups and double chins thanks to better, more natural conversation angles. JubileeTV’s camera is typically mounted above or below the TV to keep the unflattering views at bay.

Unlike apps that require logins and navigation, JubileeTV offers simple, one-touch access or even automatic connection for family-initiated calls.

Because TV systems often connect via stable home internet rather than mobile networks, calls are smoother and less likely to drop.

Families can access professional-grade audio and video quality, meaning better lighting, sharper image quality, and more lifelike conversations.

The emotional impact is what families notice first. Where smartphones caused missed calls and confusion, the reliability of video calling for seniors via a TV simply builds connection and confidence.

• More successful calls: Families report a 95% call pick up rate using JubileeTV. Because the technology is easier, more reliable, and more comfortable to use, families often see an improved communication frequency and duration.

• Reduced caregiver intervention: A JubileeTV survey found that nearly 60% of remote caregivers have had to make an avoidable in-person visit to solve issues, often related to technology problems. Solutions designed for seniors can significantly reduce this physical and emotional burden.

• Emotional well-being: Research shows regular video interaction helps combat loneliness and cognitive decline in older adults. As Thomas Cudjoe, M.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine notes, “Social connections matter for our cognitive health, and the risk of social isolation is potentially modifiable for older adults.” Technology, when implemented correctly, is a key tool in this modification. One recent study found that older adults who regularly used technology to stay socially connected had larger social networks and better cognitive function, while also reporting less loneliness overall.

• Peace of mind for caregivers: With features like remote check-ins (“ Drop ins”), adult children can see their loved ones anytime, even from across the country.

And this before we even consider the reduced setup stress — a huge burden lifted for families, especially those that live across the country.

With JubileeTV, there are no apps, no updates, and no fumbling. A gentle learning curve paired with comprehensive setup instructions means less overall complexity for families. See how it compares to setting up other tools often used for elderly video communication:

Real user testimonies and reviews demonstrate the ongoing connection and reassurance born of the JubileeTV experience.

“My brother and I have been struggling with our 89 year old mother constantly needing help with her TV and calling us at all hours. Many times we had to drive to her apartment to fix issues. She mixed up remotes and changed inputs and couldn't follow instruction to fix the issues over the phone. I ordered and installed JubileeTV and we couldn't be happier with the outcome. Our mother is calm, her TV is working, and she is using the now only Jubilee remote w/o issues. We can monitor her screen remotely and help her find a movie she wants to watch by controlling the TV with our phones. I would give this product 6 stars if I could.” -Dan Seeds

Another family wrote:

“One parent with dementia and the other with significant hearing loss. Jubilee solves soooo many problems for us starting with a simplified TV controller and the ability to control the tv from a remote location. That’s what got us introduced to Jubilee. But the video and drop in and reminder features have significantly improved the ways in which we can communicate with my parents as well as check in to see if everyone’s okay. Cannot praise it enough. This product is life changing for remote caretakers.” -Lisa

And lastly:

“Jubilee TV literally saved my mom’s life. I tried to call her multiple times on my way home from work (I live in another state). She kept answering and hanging up. I used the auto connect video call feature so I could find out what was going on. I realized she was having trouble talking and completing sentences. I then was able to get 911 and they quickly arrived to find she was having a stroke. Quick action by the paramedics and hospital were able to get her treatment and saved her life. Without Jubilee I would not have known what was going on in her house. This product is worth every penny!”

JubileeTV's purpose-built advantages and unique features make it standout amongst other tools for large screen video calling.

As technology designed for senior living and independent living alike, it’s both engineered specifically for older adults and optimized for their unique needs. This means no complex logins, confusing settings, or cumbersome app downloads. Setting up the system is equally simple, typically requiring only a quick connection to the existing TV and home Wi-Fi network.

Once installed, the communication experience becomes seamless. This is highlighted by auto connect video calling features, where the senior does not need to take any action to receive a call. Things like checking in remotely, without disturbing your parents, actually work. Emergency visibility and family photo sharing also offer peace of mind and general satisfaction.

Other oft-cited advantages of JubileeTV’s system include:

• Live closed captions so seniors with hearing or cognitive challenges can follow the conversation.

• Power-on and chime alerts that get your loved one’s attention without stress or confusion.

• Remote volume control for family members to help seniors hear clearly during calls.

• Optional audio-first calls that let seniors answer privately before the camera turns on, respecting their dignity.

• Wide-angle camera with zoom to see everyone clearly — or get a closer view when needed.

• Group calling for up to four participants, with one-time links for occasional visitors. Users find this helpful for physical therapy sessions, care conferences, or meetings with pastors/faith leaders.

Plus, it’s affordable. A JubileeTV subscription often costs less than a monthly cell phone bill, at $39 monthly, or $32 monthly if you bill annually.

For many families, the goal isn’t to replace the smartphone. Big screen video calling provides a simple, reliable way for seniors and families to stay connected. TV video calling is the bridge between independence and togetherness, and gives seniors and their families a comfortable, reliable way to stay part of daily life.