There's an Android phone for blind people, https://blindshellusa.com/, which includes an NFC reader+app (https://WayAround.com) for tags that can be attached to clothes, packaged goods, fridge containers, etc.
On iPhones, you can use Shortcuts to make an audio announcement after tapping any NFC tag, even an expired transit ticket! No app needed.
For elderly not already familiar with phones, Alexa can answer or place landline calls, play streaming radio/podcasts, provide directions between rooms (using multiple Alexas), control TVs via IR remote, maintain shopping lists, announce appointments from Google calendar maintained by caregivers, provide timed medication reminders, make audio announcements based on door/motion sensors, ask Tile to locate (ring) objects, control microwaves, turn on/off lights & more, https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37295992
From what I can see on the https://blindshellusa.com/ site, there are no large-button models. My friends nearing the sunset of life would appreciate the hardware buttons but be unhappy with their small size.
On iPhones, you can use Shortcuts to make an audio announcement after tapping any NFC tag, even an expired transit ticket! No app needed.
For elderly not already familiar with phones, Alexa can answer or place landline calls, play streaming radio/podcasts, provide directions between rooms (using multiple Alexas), control TVs via IR remote, maintain shopping lists, announce appointments from Google calendar maintained by caregivers, provide timed medication reminders, make audio announcements based on door/motion sensors, ask Tile to locate (ring) objects, control microwaves, turn on/off lights & more, https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37295992