Cell Phones Adapted to the Needs of Seniors – If you have been checking out the latest fancy cell phones now on the market, you’ll find there are many cell phone features that are of little interest to seniors. Playing music, cameras, text messaging, and games are pretty much non-starters for seniors. Features most wanted are large bright screens, easy access to stored phone numbers, hearing aid compatible, easy volume controls, larger keys and markings, and one touch to emergency numbers i.e. 911 type calls. Luckily there are several new cell phone configurations and service programs that are more suited to the needs of seniors.

Examples the so-called “senior phones” are the Jitterbug and the Verizon Wireless Coupe.

• The Jitterbug has been designed from the ground up as a senior product. The phone is only sold through hearing aid stores and has a purchase price of $150. Service plans range from 30 minutes per month for $15 to $20 per month for 60 minutes of service. The details of its features are found on their website at www.jitterbugdirect.com.

• The Verizon Wireless Coupe is sold for $20 and comes with a single line service plan of 200 anytime minutes, 500 night and weekend minutes for $29.99 per month. The phone features large physical key size and display, simple 911 calling, and simple interface.

Typical features of “Senior Friendly” phones include:

• One-touch dialing
• Large display
• Padded earpiece to reduce outside noise
• Easy-to-use message service and retrieval
• Easy speaker phone activation
• Hearing aid compatible
• 3 ICE (In Case of Emergency) Keys
• Large back-lit & bright easy-to-see buttons
• Easy-to-navigate menus
• Vibrating Alert
• Voice Activated Dialing

These are two exampled, but seniors and their families can call any mobile wireless company and ask if they have a “senior friendly” phone.