Cell phones aren’t just for the younger generations – an estimated 92 percent of adults in the United States over the age of 65 have a cell phone. Whether you are looking for a new phone for yourself or helping a loved one stay connected, it’s important to research the best cell phones for seniors to make it as easy as possible.
Buying a cell phone for seniors can be overwhelming, especially for an older adult who may not be current with the latest technology and models. So how do you choose from the many different brands, models, and features? Follow these tips to better understand the technology that is available for seniors and help them make the best choice.
Essential Features: Best Phones for Seniors
Cell phones come in many shapes and sizes. You’ll want to make sure that the cell phone for seniors you choose has the features that you are looking for. Here are a few critical factors to consider when choosing cell phones for senior citizens:
Best Phones for Seniors Design Features
Choose easy-to-use cell phones for seniors with design features that meet specific needs. These features vary depending on the cell phone for seniors but might include large icons, oversized buttons, adjustable speakers, bright screens, a design that is easy to grip, and hearing aid compatibility. The simplest cell phones for seniors include all of the basic tools (such as calling, texting, video chatting, and popular apps) without any unnecessary bells and whistles.
Consumer Cellular Phones for Seniors Contract Requirements
Read through the contract details when choosing consumer cellular phones for seniors. Ideally, you want to stay away from anything that will lock the senior into a contractor for years. Most cell phones for seniors carriers offer month-to-month options, allowing you to change or cancel the plan as needed.
Price Considerations for Best Cell Phones for Seniors
Many seniors are on a budget, which means that they don’t want to take a chunk out of their retirement savings to pay for the best cell phones for seniors. Instead, find the right balance between price and quality. Remember that spending money on a good best phones for seniors means that the technology can last for years. On the other hand, cutting corners by buying a cheap, nearly-obsolete cell phone for seniors will likely result in a need to replace the cell phone more quickly – which costs more money in the long run.
Free Cell Phone for Seniors Programs
You might be able to find cell phones for seniors for free, depending on the location where your loved one is living. Lifeline is a federal program that offers free landline phones for seniors or easy phones for seniors based on eligibility. It’s important that seniors always have access to call for help in case an emergency occurs. This program offers free cell phones for seniors and free minutes every month.
Where to Find Smart Phones for Seniors
The good news is that you can find the best cell phones for seniors and features from a variety of industry providers, including a T-Mobile plan for seniors, Verizon plans for seniors, AT&T phones for seniors, and more.
Alexa for Seniors: Using Voice-Activated Technology to Support Independence
In addition to finding a cell phone for seniors, consider how other technology firms can improve a person’s quality of life and independence. For example, Alexa for seniors allows people to manage different aspects of their lives through voice commands.
Having an Amazon Echo or Dot in the home is an excellent feature for people of all ages. However, if you buy this technology for a senior, make sure to spend time teaching the senior how to use the voice commands on their Alexa for seniors.
Here are a few popular ways to use Alexa for seniors:
- Use Alexa for seniors to listen to music
- Adjusting the thermostat
- Turning the lights on and off
- Checking the weather report
- Listen to the news headlines on Alexa for seniors
Even if the senior has a hard time seeing a digital screen, they can use voice-activated commands on their Alexa for seniors without a need to hold a device in their hand. And staying connected with family and friends is easier when a simple voice command can bring them together.
Computers for Seniors
People of all ages want to stay connected, which is why it can be helpful to also research senior laptops. If you are shopping for a portable computer, look for a senior laptop that has a lightweight design, rugged casing, and a reliable processor.
Most seniors use laptops for light internet searching, social media, and video conferencing. So, they usually don’t need high-priced computers for seniors with supercharged processors or advanced features. Laptops for seniors should have a camera and internal speakers so they can video conference with family and friends.
Tips for Staying Safe Online with Smart Phones for Seniors
While smart phones for seniors make it easier for them to stay connected with family and friends, they also open them up to scams and online predators. Following some simple but important tips can help to keep them and their personal information safe.
- Never trust a link sent to you by someone you don’t know on a smart phones for seniors.
- Never trust an e-mail that asks for your personal or account information (called a phishing scam).
- Never provide your personal information via email or text on your cell phone for seniors. When in doubt, ask for help from someone you know and trust.
- Never respond to or even open an e-mail with a deal that is too good to be true on your seniors laptop.
- Never believe that someone you don’t know is going to give you money on your cell phone for seniors.
Technology Support, Activities for Seniors, and More Vibrant Living Options
Help your loved ones stay connected no matter where they are living or what cell phone for seniors they are using. At Cadence Living, we offer a variety of options to improve the overall lifestyle in the senior years.
Schedule a consultation to discuss available services. We offer assisted living, independent living, memory care, Cadence CONNECTIONS care, and more. Our approach is to blend social and physical activities, helping our residents in a thriving life experience. Call today to book a tour at one of our nearby modern aging communities. Our caregiving experts are always here to answer your questions!
