Just bought an SSD for my mother's 8 year laptop (i5). I suggested her to let me install Linux, since it would definitely run smoother than Win 10, and she finally agreed. Let's hope she gets used to it.
Btw, I was thinking either on Ubuntu or Mint. (Suggestions welcome)

If there is one thing I've learned, it's that older people won't put any effort into learning new things (especially related to software), and instead won't use the thing or will constantly be hounding you to fix it / and the same question over and over. Imo not worth trying to change what someone gets used to... :/ Hopefully if won't come back to bite you like it has me.

Put all common programs at shortcuts and it should work out okay. But you will be her personal IT support from now on...

Arch ;)

In a serious note, I recommend Linux lite. It's really fast, looks great, and is based on Ubuntu 18.04 lts

you might want to buy a new PC just in case.....

Mint. It'll be familiar, stable, and have the "store."

@Apower I have been for years now, so no difference there hahaha

Mint Cinnamon.

@Haxk20 i am using antergos in private and i loge it. But it wouldnt recommend it for ppl, that are not familiar with linux.

Mint Cinnamon is probably the way to go here. Even if cinnamon isnt rly fast on older notebooks...

Get her Zorin OS. It makes the transition to Linux easier as far as UI is concerned.

I'd go for KDE since it's a lot like windows (at least more than the other DEs)...

How about CB++
Debian based, super small overhead and not too much to setup

I'd suggest Mint if she is used to Windows, the UI works similar.