Cell Phones For Seniors

Update: Mar 11th, 2011

When shopping for cell phones for seniors there are several things that you should take into consideration. Unlike the younger generation where style and app’s are important, choosing cell phones for seniors is based around practicality and usability. Below is a list of tips that should help you when it comes to buying for seniors. Try to bear in mind who you are buying for and take into account any special needs that they may have.

Buyers Tips

Tip 1 – Functionality
Consider what functions will be needed. Don’t rush into buying the latest, hottest phone that is stuffed full of extras. Keep it simple and think about the recipient. What will it be used for? Just calls? Texting maybe? Keep it simple and practical. When buying functionality should be at the top of your needs list.

Tip 2 – Size
Both the size of the screen and the phone itself should be one of your biggest
considerations. Although many seniors have perfect eyesight, it’s generally accepted that the eyes deteriorate as one gets older. Make sure that the screen is big enough so that both numbers and letters can be seen clearly. The size of the actual phone is also important. Unfortunately as we mature so do our joints and bones. Arthritis is common. Make sure that the cell phone is big enough to hold comfortably.

Tip 3 - Buttons
As cell phone screens get bigger, the buttons tend to get smaller. The decrease in button size is usually due to the manufacturer trying to keep a small form factor. With some phones you may be left with a choice of screen versus buttons, so choose wisely.

Tip 4 – Volume
Remember to check that the phone has an adequate volume level. This will be especially important if the person that you are buying for is hard of hearing or if they wear a hearing aid.

Tip 5 - Phone Lock/Unlock
Phone locks can be very annoying on some cell phones. On some models the key combinations can be unworkable for some people with arthritis. Be sure to check out the locking and unlocking procedure before buying. In some cases a flip phone with an auto unlock maybe a smart choice.

Tip 6 - Grip
As mentioned above, hands grow old too. What appears as easy to hold for you might not be suitable for your senior. Try to avoid glossy finishes; these are hard enough to hold onto at the best of times. If possible try to choose a phone with a more “rubbery” feel to it. These types of cell phones generally offer a better grip.

Tip 7 - Practicality
Once all of the above have been considered, you should now have a good idea of a cell phone that is practical and suitable for purpose. Try not to get carried away with app’s, functions that you don’t need, and glitz. Get what you need, nothing more, and nothing less. When buying cell phones for seniors shop for a functional and practical phone, anything less may not be suitable for purpose.

Manufacturers

There are various manufacturers that specialize and carry a range for the elderly. Some of these manufacturers are Jitterbug, Doro and Just5. All of these phones are specifically designed for seniors. Some of these phones are even hearing aid compatible, making them ideal for some seniors.

Jitterbug
Most phones in the Jitterbug range offer the following features.

  • A “clam” like flip design
  • Large keypads, making dialling easy
  • A powerful speaker
  • Bluetooth, Caller ID and Speakerphone
  • Simple Text Messaging
  • Custom-designed by Samsung

Doro
Doro cell phones offer these features.

  • Large Keys and Keypad
  • Large easy to read colour display
  • Extra loud handset volume
  • Direct memories and SMS button

Just5
The Just5 cell phones boasts a SOS feature across their range.

  • Big buttons
  • Ease of operation
  • Amplified sound
  • Long lasting battery
  • SOS feature allows for a pre-programmed number to be dialled in an emergency

These are just some of the manufacturers that have designs specifically for seniors. There are many more and all avenues should be investigated. Many mainstream manufacturers carry phones similar to the ones mentioned above. They may be listed under basic phones or a similar heading, but after viewing a few of them they may be suitable cell phones for seniors.

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