Let’s face it, as each one of us gets older trying to manage the small size and complicated interface of a modern smart phone is going to get harder and harder. That’s why there are an entire line of cell phones for elderly persons that are very popular on the market. Much more basic, but still containing all the features that you really need, this is the perfect solution for somebody that is just looking for a phone that makes phone calls. You’re also going to find that there are actually a lot of different options out there. But you do want to buy smartly, so it’s really vital that you’re sure they have the interface that’s going to make them especially easy for an older person to use.
That’s why you really want to look at how they are constructed, to make sure that they are made with a senior citizen in mind. That can include extra features, or it can just mean that they skimp on the features to make the phone a bit easier to handle. Either way, it’s vital that you’re able to find the right type, and here are 6 features that you want to look out for when it comes to any cell phones for elderly:
1) Go with those that have large easy to read number pads.
As you get older, your eyes are going to age right along with you, and typically that means they lose their ability to distinguish smaller objects. That can make reading a chore, even if it’s just something like the buttons on a cell phone. But those models that are actually made for the elderly should have a special construction by which they actually feature a much larger and easier to read number pad.
2) Find those with a more simplified screen readout.
You don’t need 7 million things going on with the screen for your phone. Basically all you need is to know what number you’re actually dialing, as well as the number of somebody that is calling. Most cell phones for elderly use are going to have a big and easy to manage readout screen, so that you can ensure it’s really simple to see that you’re calling the right number, as well as for seeing who’s calling you.
3) One button 911 dialing.
Every cell phone has to be manufactured so that they are able to call 911 whether they have a contract or not. That’s an important feature, but you’ll find that many senior cell phones go the extra mile, and actually feature a button that you can press that automatically calls 911 for you. This way, at just the press of a button in an emergency, you can be connected with the people that can help you. That’s almost like having a life alert or other type of emergency service button on you at all times.
4) Pass on features they just don’t need.
Chances are a senior citizen isn’t going to be doing a lot of texting, so they probably don’t need a phone with a slide out qwerty keyboard. In most cases they will just be making calls, so why make the phone confusing. Usually it’s best to just go with the types of phones that feature voice calling options only, as they are much more simple to use, but will still feature that same great calling ability that you need.
5) Pay as you go plan, or pay monthly?
If you’re not going to be using the phone so much, then prepaid senior cell phones are probably a bit easier. These you can just load up with minutes whenever they are needed, so that there’s no worry of paying a bill or anything of the like, as the phone is already loaded up with service that you’ve paid for.
6) Always go with phones specifically made for the elderly.
You’re going to find that there are plenty of cell phones for elderly persons that are specifically manufactured as such. One company that stands above the rest is always going to be Jitterbug, and they are famous for making cell phone use about as easy as can be. Plus they are compatible with all sorts of cell phone plans elderly persons will find easy to manage and use.