Shaky Fingers and Bad Eyes: How to Shop for Cell Phones for Seniors
Old age. It’s a moment we’ll all face at some point.
Aging eyes and failing motor skills cause our quality of life to fade. The elderly suffer to see well, think fast, and handle smaller objects.
By the time we reach our 70s, there’s a noticeable 30-60% decrease in these abilities.
But, it doesn’t mean they need to stop living a full life. We only need to put the right devices in their hands. Today’s technology options make sure the elderly don’t miss out on a thing.
Like cell phones for seniors. These devices feature designs for people with limited movement, hearing, and eyesight.
How to Shop for Cell Phones for Seniors
The good news is there are cell phones designed with the elderly in mind!
So, how do you find the one that’s right for your parents? Check out this list of items to look for in a senior approved phone.
List of Options: How is it Used?
The first thing to decide is what they’ll need in a phone. How will they use it?
Start by thinking about the features they’ll use the most. Then, look at the options each type of phone offers.
There are two kinds of phones to choose from. A smartphone or a flip phone. Which one you choose depends on that list of features.
Smartphone or Flip Phone?
If your parents don’t need modern features, a flip phone may be best. They’re easy to use and come with large, well-lit buttons. They have all the basics like a calendar, clock, and access to the weather.
Flip phones don’t have modern games and apps. Flip phones are also durable and their battery life is longer than a smartphone. If they only need to text and make calls, why not keep it simple?
But, a flip phone doesn’t fit the life of every elderly person. Do your parents still use apps in day-to-day life? They’ll want to stick with a smartphone.
Smartphones offer a lot more features than the flip phone. They’re great for seniors that have experience with technology. Many continue to run a business, travel a lot, or track their health through apps.
Go for the Large Screen
Go ahead and get the larger screen size. A larger phone is easier to grasp in shaky hands. And, the large screen will make it easy to read and touch.
They’re useful, but these phones are not cheap. It’s an investment. Make sure you get a good, durable case and insurance to protect it.
Check Accessibility Options
Cell phones for seniors feature accessibility options. They make life a whole lot easier. Get a device that’s designed to help with eyesight, hearing and shaky hands.
Here are the best options to look for.
Large Print and Buttons
A phone that features large print and big buttons is a must. No need to squint to read or hit the wrong button, anymore.
Some smartphones have a setting to turn on for large print. Flip phones for seniors come with these built right into the design.
Visual Alerts
This is a helpful feature for older people with hearing or vision loss. It’s a light that flashes or blinks when a call or message arrives.
Flip phones stay closed when not in use. The visual alert feature is important for those. Smartphones offer this feature, as well.
Easy Navigation
Technology can be frustrating. Especially when the brain works a little slower than it used to. Simple menus and interface keep frustration low.
Take a moment to have your parents test the menus before buying a phone.
Emergency Features
Want them to have access to urgent care and emergency services? Some of the best emergency features are only available with a senior cell phone plan. Make sure you get a phone that works with them.
Get access to urgent care and emergency. Check out services like GreatCall’s health and safety plans. There are three levels of service to choose from.
No need to dial 911, either. They’re available at the touch of a button. That’s a reassuring feature for the elderly and their loved ones.
GPS Location Tracking
Good GPS is a must. It works with emergency apps designed for elderly people. They help seniors find urgent care or a hospital if they need it.
Concerned about your parents getting lost? A good GPS can help them find their way. Family members can track their last position and send help, too.
Health Monitoring
Getting a smartphone? They’ll have access to apps that can help track their health.
Enter information like blood pressure, medications, and pulse. Then, share them with family members and caregivers.
The Jitterbug Touch3 phone even has a heart monitoring function. It has an attachment that plugs into the back of the phone. It performs electrocardiogram tests and tracks heart rate!
Go Shopping: Try Before You Buy
The best way to find a phone that works is to try it out first. Go to any store that sells them. Play with the navigation and test the features.
This way, you’ll know if they like it before they even take it home.
Looking at a phone that isn’t available in a store nearby? Check the return policy. Most have a 30-day guarantee. Have it shipped for a trial run, but use the return policy if they don’t like it. There’s no reason to keep a phone that doesn’t suit their lifestyle and needs.
Try One, Today!
Aging doesn’t need to be a limitation. Cell phones for seniors help them take back their lives.
Choose one that’s easy to use, tracks health, and allows them to travel in safety. Enjoy peace of mind and let them continue to live a quality life!
Looking for quality assisted living centers in Florida? We can help. Contact us, today!
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