ChromeOS
ChromeOS on a new Black Friday special Chromebook plus (HP x360) is a great option for your non technical SO or elderly patient. It just works, keeps everything up to date and has many years of support. And for just $364 US ($320 off), it's a steel. Sure the 5050 mAH battery could be a bit bigger but for the casual, on the couch, use case it's fine. I'm also a huge fan of everything charging via USB type C with these compact GAN chargers.
Linux is my poison (for work purposes) but for everything else the Chromebook plus has a lot to offer (including some light gaming via Steam).
I have to say that a MacBook is my second suggestion for the casual end user but the client baulked at the cost.