Cell phones help seniors become more connected with family and feel safer knowing that help is only a phone call away. When looking for a new cell phone for your elderly loved one, it can be intimidating to see how many options there are. What are the best options to look for, and what sort of features are necessary? Luckily, with this handy guide, you have an excellent resource for the optimal capabilities any senior’s cell phone should have.
Top senior-friendly cell phones of 2021
Many cell phones are designed specifically for seniors, but a few raise the bar with special features great for your elderly loved ones (read below to find out more). Some of the latest and greatest senior cell phones include the Lively Flip phone from Lively Direct, the Snapfon ezTWO3G, and the Jitterbug Flip. These models possess all the must-have features showcased below.
Easily alert emergency contacts
When a senior requires emergency assistance, they need it quickly. When looking for a cell phone for your elderly loved ones, keep an eye out for phones with features such as an alert button. Some phones offer connections to specialized agents to assist, while others notify several emergency contacts at once. An emergency alert feature will help seniors feel more secure, knowing that help is only a button-press away.
Large text
Many seniors suffer from poor eyesight. Phones that offer large, easy-to-read displays are best, so seniors don’t have to squint to see their cells. Some phones are created with large text as the default, making them excellent options for your elderly loved one.
Simple navigation
Depending on how confident your senior is with technology, they may struggle to operate their cell phone. To mitigate any difficulty your senior may experience, look for phones that are easy to navigate. List-based menus rather than icons are more explicit and easy to understand. Buttons with specific functions written on them (such as ‘back,’ ‘ok,’ or ‘speaker’) make using a cell phone simple.
Easy to hear
Does your senior struggle to hear? A cell phone with a powerful speakerphone is a great asset to your senior, as they will hear and connect with the people they are calling more easily. What’s more, some cell phones offer hearing aid compatibility as well.
Camera
A cell phone camera is perfect for capturing memories. Cell phones are extremely portable, allowing seniors to easily send and receive pictures to loved ones at any time.
Good battery life
No one wants their phone charger tethering them to the wall. The best cell phones for seniors have large batteries, capable of sustaining a charge for an extended period when not in use.
Wrap up
Though there are many cell phone choices on the market today, selecting the perfect senior cell phone isn’t as daunting as it may seem. Just keep essential features, like visibility and simple navigation, in mind as you shop. Your elderly loved ones will appreciate their new cell phone as it connects them to friends and family.