"We had trouble contacting my mother-in-law for months during the lockdowns. Like many older folks, she still relied on a landline phone. When she didn’t pick up, my wife would wonder whether she was out, couldn’t hear the phone, or was unable to answer. And when she did pick up, we’d still wonder if she was really OK."

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- As the world marks 81 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor Tajma Hall meets the last remaining Pearl Harbor survivor from the Milwaukee area, Ed Miklavcic. Even at 102 years old, Ed is adept at using technology to remain connected to family and continue to share the story of the monumental event he witnessed all those years ago.

Between the Cloud, the algorithms, and the litany of icons splayed across our home screens, the rules of living had changed so much in the previous decade. Suddenly, technology as familiar as the telephone became extraordinarily complicated, and we worried whether America’s golden-agers could ever catch up.

One of the people trying to solve that problem is Scott Lien, a former Intuit executive who became an advocate for elder accessibility in 2014 after feeling increasingly “digitally disconnected” from his octogenarian mother in Iowa.

When it comes to cellphone features and options, the choices can be overwhelming, especially when considering the unique needs of older adults. But when you know your needs and have a budget in mind, you can find the right fit for a happy cellular relationship.

Top picks for users who prize simplicity, affordability and safety features above all else.

This simple yet savvy gadget was designed with seniors in mind and is one of my grandma’s very favorite connectivity tools.

One of the most challenging things about the pandemic is the isolation that so many of our seniors feel. The difficulty connecting with family can be particularly challenging for them. Which is why this new product, The GrandPad became even more popular in the last year. It's a tablet, but it's designed specifically for our older generation. The special design features, include extra security to keep our users that are of the older generations safer and safe from online scammers. GrandPad CEO and co-founder Scott Lien and one of their users, Retha Mattson who is 100 years young, join us to talk about the device.

On a mission to simplify technology for seniors, GrandPad recruits customer service agents from rural communities, where the pace is slower and patience lasts longer.

Loneliness and social isolation are a serious concern for seniors, with nearly one-fourth of adults age 65 and older being socially isolated.

It’s less than a week old, but it carries the wisdom of one who has lived for decades: A new artificial intelligence tool offers older adults a companion that engages with them on a peer-to-peer level.

CEO Scott Lien sits down with Midwest Access at KTTC to talk all things GrandPad.