Buying phones for senior citizens is something that you have to consider differently, because they look for separate types of features from their phones, than what you need when you’re a young adult. That means considering what is going to make a phone easier for an elderly person to use. There is a different set of features that are more important here, and you want to keep them in mind as there are plenty of models that are meant to be specifically senior cell phones. Here are 7 factors of any phone you’re going to have to consider:
1) Large easy to read buttons on the phone face.
As you get older your vision gets less and less perfect, even when using glasses. For that reason you want a no fuss phone that’s easy for you to read in just a moment, so that you can dial the number that you’re looking to call without having to struggle over where to press.
2) Easy to read large text screen.
This is another really important feature, and most senior cell phones are built specifically for this. Just as it can be hard to pick out your buttons, it can be really hard to read what’s on the screen unless it’s a high resolution screen with large characters. Phones like these are made so that just about anyone can read them at a glance, and it’s really important that your phone is, so that calling, texting or even enjoying pictures that are sent to the phone, is that much easier.
3) Keep it simple.
Another really important part of selecting the right type of phone, is just ensuring that it’s simple enough to not present a hassle. You want it to be really easy to make a call, as well as hang up, and even answer the phone and tell who’s calling. But you don’t want them to be bogged down in all the features that an adolescent phone has, because they just are not likely to be used. To most elderly persons, things like being able to surf the net, and perform other similar functions just really isn’t that important, so they don’t need to be included into the phone.
4) Consider voice control options to further make the phone easier to handle.
If you’re really after an interface that’s going to make your phone incredibly easy for anyone to use, with voice options. This way, you’re able to actually access somebody that you want to call in your contact list, by just saying their name or a codeword associated with them. This way, you don’t even have to dial the phone, and you’re able to just call people by just saying a few words.
5) Find a phone with an affordable calling plan.
Many senior citizens are leery of signing long service contracts with any type of phone company, so you want to be sure that you’re able to find the type of plan that they are going to be totally comfortable with. Usually the best type of plan here is with prepaid phones, so that you can load up only how many minutes you plan to use, or that you feel you’ll need for a while. Then you always have the option of buying more once you run out as well, so that you can keep using the phone all that you like, on your terms.
6) Make sure that phone that you choose has good customer support.
Getting frustrated with your phone is something that nobody wants, and it’s also something that can stop an elderly person from actually using the device. That’s why it’s important yours comes from a company that provides good customer support. This way, you’re able to call at an time of day to trouble shoot the phone, and get your wireless phone service working properly again with ease.
7) Always go with a trusted brand.
You want a tried and true brand of senior cell phones, so that you know what you get out of the box is something you can count on. The best companies for phones like these are always going to be major services like AT&T as well as companies like Jitterbug who make them exclusively. This way, you’re able to find a quality phone at a quality price, guaranteed.