5 Things to Look For When Considering a Senior Cell Phone

As people age, the cell phones that were once effortlessly intuitive often become difficult to utilize. Not only do the small screens strain mature eyes and the tiny buttons challenge our fingers, but the software systems can be confusing to navigate when looking for certain apps and icons.

However, getting older often makes having a cell phone even more important. Cell phones are priceless in an emergency, and they help us stay connected with family and friends. Because older adults are at a higher risk for falls, medical events, and the potential for social isolation, it’s important to keep one on hand.

Here are five things to look for when choosing a senior-friendly cell phone.

1. Ease of use.

Before you start shopping, figure out exactly what you want from your phone. If all you’re looking for is the ability to make and receive calls, opt for a basic flip phone. Forget about investing in a smartphone if navigating apps will only overwhelm you. That said, there are senior-friendly smartphones that have a simple interface but still offer the ability to take and send high-quality pictures, use mobile banking, or have video chats.

It’s helpful to check out phone options in person so that you can make sure the screen and volume settings work well for your ears and eyes. If you can’t shop in person, be sure to read reviews and look for features like large displays for older eyes, hearing aid compatibility, and straightforward software navigation. In addition, voice command and voice-to-text functions are both particularly useful in making your phone user friendly.

2. Check out brands that are made specifically for seniors.

Based on the increased need, some companies are beginning to make senior-friendly phones designed with assistive technology. In fact, there are even brands that specifically center their business model around seniors.

For example, Lively is a brand whose products help seniors by making their device displays bright and large. Plus, they keep the interface on their smartphones simple, they offer basic flip phone options, and they feature an emergency response call button on many of their devices. Imagine being able to send for help with just the push of a button. Some Lively devices even have a built-in medical alert device that can detect falls and send help on your behalf.

3. Look for senior discounts.

Many seniors live on fixed incomes and budgeting be a real challenge, especially as the cost of living keeps going up. Fortunately, as a senior citizen, you may be eligible for discounts on your cell phone service. Certain cell phone carriers offer special plans for those who are ages 55 to 65 and up. If you don’t use your phone very much, you can also save money by choosing a pre-paid phone plan.

4. Weigh other elements, like battery life and camera.

Battery life is one of the most important safety elements of your cell phone. You don’t want your phone to run out of juice just when you really need to use it. To avoid being without your device, look for a substantial battery life in any phone you buy. Also, keep your battery in good shape by not charging your phone overnight. Phones don’t need to charge for that many hours and the heat from overcharging will diminish your battery’s efficiency over time. Instead, charge your phone for just enough time to restore power and pick up a portable power pack to recharge while on the go.

If you enjoy taking pictures of scenery, friends, or the grandkids to then share with others, you may want to prioritize a phone with a good camera. Don’t forget to choose a plan with enough data to be able to send and receive high-quality photos.

Luckily, you don’t need to get a smartphone to enjoy a camera; many flip phones have decent cameras. However, if you want access to the most cutting-edge camera technology and the ability to edit photos on your phone, you might want to opt for an iPhone or Galaxy. Just keep in mind that both of those brands will be pricier and more complex than many other options.

5. Protect your cell phone from damage.

Since It’s easy to drop a cell phone, the final consideration to make is protection. This is why it’s important to get a protective phone case and a screen protector. This way, you won’t ruin your new phone by dropping it on the tile floor or accidentally getting it wet. As an extra precaution, you can also sign up for cell phone repair and support services.