How to Select an Appropriate Senior Cell Phone
Some of the recent studies that have been completed relate a somewhat surprising statistic. Right about 50% of the senior population actually uses a cell phone. It’s easy to surmise from that statistic that even the older generation wants to have a cell phone. If the senior in your life doesn’t have a cell phone and you’re considering purchasing one for them there are things that you need to take into consideration before you make your purchase.
Simplicity of Use
You need to look for a cell phone that’s going to be simple for them to use. You’ll find that even with some of the seniors wanting to have some of the extra features that you get with a cell phone, like that of the camera phones along with potentially internet browsing accessibility. You’re going to find out though that a lot of seniors are more technophobic and aren’t going to want these added features or anything that’s too complex. They’ll want nothing more than the basic cell phone that’s going to allow them to make the calls that they need to, especially if there’s an emergency and they need to get a hold of you or emergency personnel immediately, no matter where they might be. Above all else that’s the main purpose and intention of getting the senior a cell phone.
Oversized and Sound Quality
You need to be looking for a cell phone that has keypad buttons which are oversized and are easier for them to be able to push. In addition to that you need to ensure that the cell phone you purchase has excellent sound quality as well making it easier for them to be able to hear. Should hearing be even more of a problem you need to make sure that you purchase a phone that offers higher volumes and if they wear hearing aids a phone which is hearing aid compatible.
Brightness, Size and Voice Dialing
Take a look and browse through all of the different cell phone manufacturer models for a phone which has a bright and lighted keypad along with the options for the user to be able to enlarge the text (font sizes), ensuring that they are able to make it easier for those seniors that are visually impaired to be able to see the incoming call without issue. You’re also going to want to make the consideration of getting a model which has a keypad where the keys are slightly protruding in order to let the user be able to feel the buttons while they’re dialing.
Also you should look for a phone that has the offers of voice dialing options. Not only is this going to be a very convenient option but it’s also going to be a very good option for those that suffer from moderate to severe arthritis.
Affordability and Operator Assistance
One final thing that you need to do is make the consideration on the cost. Most of the seniors prefer a plan which has no long-term contract. If you’re looking to take care of it for them and they want to use the phone for more than just an emergency only line you should maybe take a look at adding a line to your current cell phone plan. You can usually do so for only $10 and they can just leech off of your plan. When they call you most all carriers offer free mobile to mobile calling and texting so you can call and send pictures of the grandkids for free. It all just depends on the senior in your life and when it comes down to that you know them better than anyone.
Finally you’ll want to consider whether or not the senior you’re purchasing for is going to need operator assistance. If this is something that you think they’ll need there are cell phone companies out there which offer operators 24/7/365 for them. They’ll be able to help with simple things like directory assistance, making a phone call for you or if the worst happens, help through an emergency.
Something like this is going to limit your carrier selection of course but most of these types of plans are ones where they are more targeted to the senior population so you should be able to find a very senior compatible cell phone within this segment.
Taking all of this into consideration as well as what you know about the person that you’re purchasing for you’re more than sure to find something that will ensure their safety if an emergency hits as well as take care of feature needs.
Related posts:
- Senior Cell Phones
- Considerations When Selecting a Cell Phone for a Senior Citizen
- Senior Value Cell Phones: Affordable Prepaid Cell Phones for Senior Citizens
- Senior Value Cellphone: The Least Expensive Cell Phone For Senior Citizens
- Top Senior Cell Phones For 2011
- Senior Friendly and Easy To Use Mobile Phones
- Buying Cell Phones For Seniors
- AT&T Senior Friendly Cell Phones, Senior Nation 200 Plan
- Simple Cell Phones for Senior Citizens
- The UTStarcom Coupe 8630, a Great Handset Designed For Senior Citizens
Tags: cell phones for seniors
November 28th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
I got my mom the TracFone SVC (Senior Value Cell) . Anyway, my mom loves it! At 54 she’s already having vision problems so she always complains that she can’t see the numbers on the screen. This phone’s really good for her cause it has oversized lighted keys with large text and screen, 911 emergency location assist. And it’s even great for my grandma because it’s compatible with hearing aids. She said she paid $20 for it at Kmart. Is it the same as yours? Like a said, she now swears by it!!
February 26th, 2011 at 11:34 am
It’s compatible with hearing aids??? that is soo great. i was actually looking for a phone like that my for my grandfather. I was wondering.,, how is the service?? my grandpa doesnt live in like a super rural place but its not a huge town. This phone just sounds absolutely great.
March 20th, 2011 at 10:50 am
Yes the SCV is not only hearing aids compatible, the samsung is a flip phone thats very confortable for seniors and it also has huge numbers on the screen, something my grandma always wanted. She is now in love with her new phone and we are so happy companies like Tracfone think about the ederly and offer plan and services that meet their needs. Way to go tracfone.
March 20th, 2011 at 10:55 am
This is a great deal guys, really a senior phone with huge numbers on the screen and hearing aid compatible? How much is it? Where do I buy one? I need to convince my grandpa to have a cellphone, he always says cellphones are too small and technical for him, but this one seems to be like a good fit for a 85 years old grandfather like mine. I neeed this to have a cellphone, I worry sick he is going to need to make and emergency call while he is out and about. Where do I find this SCV tracfone phone?
March 27th, 2011 at 11:40 am
This is endeed great news, I’ve always wanted to get my grandma a cellphone, for emergencies, but she uses an hearing aid and can’t see very well, a phone with hearing aid compativilty and big numbers on the screen is excalcly what she needs, I’m on my way to Kmart today to check them out! Thanks for the reviews.
March 27th, 2011 at 11:43 am
Really grear product, I got one at Kmart for my grandfather last xmas as a present and he finally got used to have a cellphone, this has a lot to do with the big text on the screen the fact that the phone is a flip phone and the big keypad, finally a cellphone seniors can feel confortable operating, to top this the service comes as affordable as $7 a month, and the phone was only $14.99 @ Kmart. Great deal