Tips For Choosing a Phone for Seniors

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be hard to operate without some kind of mobile phone, no matter what your age. While it might be hard to picture granny surfing the web on her smartphone, Pew Research actually shows that about 77% of senior citizens aged 65 and up are chatting away on mobile devices. But, with an older age group starting to really take advantage of smartphone technology, there are a lot of things to look for in a good phone. So, whether you’re trying to find a good phone for a beloved relative or you’re a senior citizen yourself, trying to find the perfect phone, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Choose Appropriate Phone Type

If you’re shopping for someone else, it’s important to know what kind of phone they are going to be comfortable with. When shopping for senior citizens, there are three main options to consider:

Senior Friendly Phones – A senior friendly phone is designed specifically for senior citizens and often will have features and even preinstalled apps designed specifically for senior citizens. Jitterbug is a common choice, but there are lots of other options as well. GreatCall specalizes in senior citizen phones and plans.

Feature Phone – If you don’t want to get a senior citizen phone, or your intended recipient isn’t going to use it enough to justify the expense, then a feature phone (sometimes called a ‘dumb phone’) might be the way to go. These phones are usually flip phones and will have limited options for texting and internet.

Entry Level Smartphone  – For senior citizens who are a little more tech-savvy or comfortable with technology in general, an entry-level smartphone (priced at $100 or less) is a good choice. It will have enough bells and whistles to be fun, but will be less likely to overwhelm them with hidden features and options.

Make Sure It’s Easy to Use

Whatever phone you get, make sure that whoever you’re intending it for can use it. This means making sure that the keyboard has large buttons that are easy to press and that the font is large or can be adjusted to be large. If the person uses hearing aids, make sure the phone is rated to be compatible with hearing aids. Other important considerations include easy to read font, voice command, bright and clear displays and simple navigation.

Select Flexible Plans

Senior citizens are often on a strict and limited budget, so be sure that whatever phone you pick, it uses a flexible and affordable plan. Prepaid is probably the best way to go unless you’re adding their phone to your account, as prepaid plans are generally cheaper and easier to manage. Also, if things get really tight one month or the person makes a lot of calls, the plan can be adjusted as necessary without problem.

Consider Senior Services

Some phone companies offer senior services either through pre-installed apps, specific functions included on special senior phones or just stand alone services to help make life easier for loved ones. Depending on the person and circumstance, some kind of senior service to monitor health, provide fall alerts or just check in could be really helpful. GreatCall, again, has several such services.]]>