>> Any ideas what linux to use for such a person?
>
> Isn't that what Ubuntu is for?
I do not know as I have only installed it once for someone
but have no idea about it's maintenance requirements.
I recomend Ubuntu 14.04 it is very easy and has a 7 year life span.
It's a one stop install from usb or dvd.
It advises when updates are available and one click installs and
configures those.
As with all Linuxen there is a learning curve in working out how to get
to applications but it's not scary.
Roger