Best Large Print Items for Visually Impaired Seniors

Last Updated: September 24, 2026

When vision declines, it is not only books that become hard to read. Phone keypads, remote controls, playing cards, clocks, calendars and even recipe cards can turn frustrating. Large print versions of everyday items are a simple, affordable way to keep independence and enjoyment. This guide rounds up the most useful categories, what makes a large print item genuinely helpful, and how to choose for someone with low vision.

What Makes Large Print Truly Readable

Large print is not only about size. Readability depends on several factors working together:

• Size: generally 16 to 18 point or larger for text, with many people needing 24 point or more.
• Contrast: black on white, white on black or black on yellow.
• Font: plain sans-serif fonts are easier than decorative or italic ones.
• Spacing: generous gaps between letters and lines.
• Matte finish: glossy surfaces create glare.

Reading and Entertainment

Large print books

Many popular titles are available in large print editions, and libraries often have sizable collections. E-readers let you enlarge any book’s text.

Large print puzzle books

Word searches, crosswords and sudoku in large print keep minds active.

Large print playing cards

Cards with oversized numbers and suit symbols let people keep playing favorite games with friends.

Large print bingo cards and board games

Popular in clubs and care homes, and easy to find in accessible versions.

Communication

Big button phones

Landline and mobile phones with large, high-contrast keys, often with photo speed-dial buttons.

Large print address books

Simple, bold-lined books for contacts and birthdays.

Bold-lined paper and thick pens

Help people continue writing letters and lists.

Around the Home

Large display clocks and calendars

Digital day clocks and large print calendars aid orientation and planning.

Big button remote controls

Simplified remotes with only essential buttons, clearly labeled.

Large print thermostat and appliance labels

Stickers and tactile markers make dials easier to set.

Large print keyboards

High-contrast keys help with email and online tasks.

Health and Kitchen

• Large print pill organizers with bold day labels.
• Large display blood pressure monitors and thermometers.
• Large print measuring cups and kitchen timers.
• Large print recipe cards or cookbooks.

Choosing Well

Start with the tasks that cause the most frustration or that the person has stopped doing. If they have given up card games, large print cards can bring back a social activity. If they struggle to dial family, a big button phone may be the priority. Involve the person in choosing; items that feel patronizing may go unused. Choose designs that look like ordinary products where possible.

Pair Large Print With Good Lighting

Large print works best with strong, glare-free light. An adjustable LED lamp by the favorite chair can make large print items even more effective. For people whose vision continues to decline, combine large print with magnifiers, talking products and tactile markers.

Free and Low-Cost Sources

Many public libraries lend large print books and audiobooks free. Sight-loss charities often sell or give away large print calendars and diaries. Utility companies and banks may provide statements in large print on request. Pharmacies can often print medicine labels in larger type if asked.

Room-by-Room Starter Checklist

If you are not sure where to begin, walk through the home with the person and note every item they squint at or ask someone else to read. In the living room, that is often the TV remote and the phone. In the kitchen, it is oven dials, measuring cups and food labels. In the bathroom, medicine bottles and the scale. By the bed, the clock. Tackle one room per week so changes feel manageable, and ask after each week which new item made the biggest difference. That feedback tells you where to spend next.

FAQ

What font size counts as large print?

Large print usually starts around 16 to 18 point, but many people with low vision prefer 20 to 24 point or larger. Contrast and font style matter as much as size.

Can I request large print documents from companies?

Many banks, utilities and healthcare providers offer large print statements and letters on request. It is worth asking.

Bottom line

Large print items, from books and cards to phones, clocks and pill organizers, help visually impaired seniors keep doing what they enjoy and manage daily life independently. Focus on the most frustrating tasks first, favor high contrast and plain fonts, and add good lighting for the best results.

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