Cell Phones for Seniors
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. Remember cell phones for seniors are different from normal phones for a reason.
Cell Phones for Seniors 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. Generally cell phones for seniors should come with bigger buttons.
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. Some models in the cell phones for seniors range are designed with hearing aids in mind.
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.
Cell Phones for Seniors – Manufacturers
There are various manufacturers that specialize and carry a range of cell phones for seniors. 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 dialing easy
- A powerful speaker
- Blue-tooth, 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 color display
- Extra loud handset volume
- Direct memories and SMS button
Just5
The Just5 cell phones for seniors boasts a SOS feature across their range.
- Big buttons
- Ease of operation
- Amplified sound
- Long lasting battery
- SOS feature allows for a preprogrammed number to be dialed in an emergency
These are just some of the manufacturers that have designs specifically for cell phones 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. For the latest up to date cell phone news, click here
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Cell Phones for Seniors Review – Just5 Easy Phone
Cell Phones for Seniors Review – Just5 Easy Phone
As far as the cell phone market goes the more apps and features the better. However there is still a market for a simple, functional phone. The cell phones for seniors market has been growing steadily over the last few years. There is a growing concern with many of us that our loved ones have a good reliable phone that they can use anywhere with limited fuss.
I will be looking specifically at one of the most popular models on the market, the Just5 Easy Phone. Just5 was founded in 2007; their goal was to provide the public with simple, easy to use phones that used only the basic features. Just5 are now one of the world leaders in the cell phones for seniors market.
Just5 Easy Phone Features
The Just5 Easy Phone is a very good solid model, which comes in black, red, gray, orange and white. These phones all come with big buttons which makes dialing a breeze and are very easy to see without the need of glasses.
The Just5 Easy Phone also boasts of “ease of operation.” What this means to the user is that most of the unnecessary functions that overwhelm modern cell phones today, have been removed. This definitely makes the Just5 Easy Phone very simple to use, and as they say on
their website, even children can figure it out.
Amplified sound is another feature that deserves to be mentioned in this review. Crisp, clear and loud is a very desirable attribute of any cell phone for seniors, and the Just5 Easy Phone has that in abundance. As well as being Hearing Aid compatible, the Just5 Easy Phone comes with a long lasting battery that can stay charged for up to 6 days, this must be a serious option when it comes to
buying.
The last feature worth mentioning is the Personal Emergency Response System. Located on the reverse of the phone is a button, that, when pressed, will dial a pre-programmed number until a connection is made. This very handy, and possibly life saving feature is a big plus that many buyers will find attractive.
Just5 Easy Phone Conclusion
Over all the Just5 Easy Phone is a well build, reliable and functional phone. The range of colors makes this particular model very easy on the eye. The design is excellent with sleek, stylish lines that hide the fact that it was designed as a cell phone for seniors. It truly is a contender for the best in its class and a standout among its peers. When it comes to cell phones for seniors, the Just5 Easy Phone is a real winner. (read more…)
