10 Tips For Seniors

Following are 10 tips that seniors or anyone purchasing a cell phone for a senior may find helpful when navigating the cell phone industry. Remember, too, that with some carriers and with some plans, you may be able to find free cell phones for seniors.

Keep It Simple

Most senior citizens don’t care to play music on their phone, and they may not even care for a camera.  For the most part, they want to be able to make a phone call when they are away from home or during an emergency.  Large numbers and displays, easy to navigate menus, and call quality are some of the most important features seniors look for and need in a cell phone.  Aside from these features, the best cell phones for seniors are the ones that address their individual needs, so it is important to know how the phone will be used, and if the senior in your life has any particular issues that must be addressed.

Look For Budget Friendly Plans

Most senior citizens don’t get on the phone and chat with their friends the way teenagers do.  They simply want a reliable phone to work when they need to make a phone call.  There’s no reason to pay for a plan with a zillion minutes per month if the senior in your life only uses the phone for emergencies.  Keep in mind, too, that free cell phones for seniors may not be worth it if the free phone comes with an expensive plan or too long a commitment.

Go Prepaid

Not everyone wants or needs to have a cell phone contract or a bill to pay every month, especially if they are just using the phone once in a while or for emergencies.  There are several prepaid options that may fit into a senior’s lifestyle without the added burden of a commitment or a monthly bill.   AT&T has both pay as you go and prepaid plans for their prepaid cell phone service.  With the pay as you go, you can choose the kind of plan you like without any credit check or commitments.  While you won’t be able to find free cell phones for seniors by going prepaid, you also won’t have to worry about a commitment or a surprise on your monthly bill.  Find out more at http://www.att.com.

Choose A Cell Phone With Amplified Sound

For seniors that may not be able to hear as well as they once did, there are cell phones for seniors that come with amplified sound.  The ClarityLife C900 is twice as loud as regular cell phones, so it may be ideal for someone with hearing loss.  In addition, this phone features large buttons, a red emergency button, and a flashing visual ringer.  Learn more about the ClarityLife C900 amplified mobile phone by visiting the following website:  http://shop.clarityproducts.com/products/listing/item3289.asp .

Choose A Cell Phone That Is Hearing Aid Compatible

Many people don’t realize that there are cell phones that are hearing aid compatible.  What’s more, there are ratings that will let you know which phones work best. These ratings are classified as “M” ratings and “T” ratings.  AT&T maintains an updated list of phones that are Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) on their website. You can view the list at the following link. http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/articles-resources/disability-resources/hearing-aid-compatibility.jsp.  In addition, at the same site, you can view details about the Nokia 6102h, which has a special hearing aid setting.

Choose A Cell Phone Designed For Seniors

The Doro Phone has been specifically designed with senior citizens in mind. Seniors who have dexterity problems or hearing or vision loss will appreciate the special features of the Doro PhoneEasy models. The display is easy to read and the buttons are large.  Designed by cell phone pioneers, the Doro may be just the perfect phone for the senior in your life.  You can read an extensive review at the following website.  http://www.gizmag.com/doro-seniors-cell-phone/13145/  

Choose A Cell Phone With Large Buttons

No matter how many great features a cell phone has, if the person can’t see the buttons, or if they are so small that one finger pushes two buttons, the recipient is likely to give up in frustration and not use the phone at all.  When you are looking for cell phones for seniors, look for a cell phone with large buttons.

Choose A Cell Phone With A Dedicated 911 Key

A dedicated 911 button can come in handy during emergencies and with only one button to push, it makes it easier to summon help even when you’re nervous and flustered.  The Samsung Knack has such a key and CNET has a detailed review of this particular phone on their website.  Learn more about one of the best cell phones for seniors by reading the review at the following website.  http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/samsung-knack-sch-u310/4505-6454_7-33240531-2.html?tag=txt;page

Choose A Cell Phone With A Large, Bright Display

Read cell phone reviews and try to test out a few models before you decide on one particular model when you are shopping for the best cell phones for seniors.  Cell phones without a bright, easy to read display will likely result in frustration.  Also, look for a display that stays lighted for more than a second or two, as this can be frustrating when you are in the middle of reading something and the display goes dark.

Choose A Cell Phone Plan Designed For Seniors

Remember to not only keep the cell phone itself simple, but the plan you choose for wireless service for the senior in your life is important also. Most seniors don’t need unlimited nights and weekends or unlimited text messaging.  Remember, too to add on safety features, such as roadside assistance. This way, your loved one can easily call for assistance if they become stranded on the road. Consumer Cellular, who makes the Doro phone listed above, has cell phone plans for seniors starting at just $10 per month. Look them over at the following link: http://www.consumercellular.com .