Connecting with Grandparents via Smartphone! Easy Family Communication with Video Calls

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Why Video Calls Are Important

3. Reasons to Choose LINE

4. Smartphone Settings That Are Easy for Seniors to Use

5. 3 Ways to Reduce Communication Costs

6. The Optimal Solution Our Family Chose

7. Troubleshooting Measures for the Future

8. Summary

Introduction

Grandparents living in rural areas. Many families likely struggle with the fact that opportunities to meet are decreasing year by year, and while they worry about their health, they cannot see them often. This article provides a thorough explanation of specific methods for video calls to connect long-distance families.

Why Video Calls Are Important

The significance of having regular video calls with elderly grandparents is as follows:

• You can check their complexion and condition in real-time

• It is easier to grasp their health status

• Contributes to dementia prevention through conversation

• Can deepen family bonds

• Leads to a reduction in feelings of loneliness

Reasons to Choose LINE

An app that is easy for all relatives to use

• The most popular communication app in Japan

• Intuitive operation possible

• Free voice and video calls available

• Relatively easy for seniors to learn

Smartphone settings that are easy for seniors to use

Simplifying the desktop screen

• Place only the LINE icon

• Large icon size

• Hide unnecessary apps

• Set font size to large

Concrete setting examples

1. Place the LINE icon in the center of the home screen

2. Set icon size about 30% larger than standard

3. Set font size to maximum

4. Use a single color or just one photo for the background

3 ways to reduce communication costs

Option 1: Unlimited plan from a low-cost SIM provider

• Approximately 2,000 to 4,000 yen per month

• Recommended carriers:

  1. LINEMO (SoftBank network)

  2. ahamo (Docomo network)

  3. povo (au network)

Option 2: Unlimited data SIM + Wi-Fi model

• Approx. 1,500 to 2,500 yen per month

• Recommended carriers:

  1. OCN Mobile ONE

  2. IIJmio

  3. mineo

Plan 3: SIM with LINE-related count-free data

• Approx. 800 to 1,500 yen per month

• Recommended carriers:

  1. LINEMO

The optimal solution our family chose

Our family chose the [Plan 3] LINE count-free SIM. The reasons are:

• Lowest cost

• LINE video calls do not count toward data usage

• Can be operated for under 1,000 yen per month

Troubleshooting measures for the future

Installing remote access apps

• TeamViewer

• AnyDesk

• Chrome Remote Desktop

By installing these apps in advance, it seems you can provide support immediately when trouble occurs, so I would like to use that as a reference for setup in the future.

Summary

Staying connected with long-distance family is now easy thanks to technology. With a little effort, you can bridge the distance with your grandparents.

What is important is continuous communication. Why not take the first step?