• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Aging in Place

Aging in Place resources for independent living & caregiving

  • Aging in Place Basics
    • What is Aging in Place?
    • Aging in Place Planning
  • Your Home
  • Technology
  • Caregiving
  • Retirement
  • Money
  • Health
You are here: Home / Featured / Giving A Senior Cell Phone For Christmas

Giving A Senior Cell Phone For Christmas

December 9, 2013 By Mark Hager

Giving a senior cell phone for Christmas
Senior cell phone for Christmas

A senior cell phone for Christmas could be the perfect gift for one of your parents or a family friend this year.

If you are like me, figuring out what you’re going to get your mom, dad or senior friend for Christmas can be tough. They either have or don’t need most of the things I think of. Good, thoughtful gift ideas are sometimes hard to come by.

 

 

 

 

I’m not the only one thinking this way, either. According to a Pew Internet study this year, nearly 40% of cellphone owners 55 to 64 have smartphones and 18% in the 65+ age group. Both groups are growing fast.

Cell phones can be good gifts

Many people I’ve talked with about this idea aren’t sure whether their parents would even want a cellphone… much less a “senior cell phone“. They’re afraid of how they might react getting something that’s labeled that way. But, I think there are a few really good reasons why it is a good gift choice.

Emergencies
Obviously, the first thing people think about with senior cell phones are the panic buttons for emergencies. It’s true; panic buttons are a good idea. The older you get, the more likely you are to fall or have a medical emergency. So, having a single button to push in order to get help can bring some peace of mind … especially for the adult kids.

Text messaging
Something I’ve been hearing more about are grandparents that use their cell phones to keep in contact with their grandchildren. Sounds crazy, I know. But, I know several grandmas that text their grandkids every day. Even better, is being able to text photos. Grandparents love to get photos. Your kids will talk to their grandparents more, too. Even if it is with texting. It’s a win-win situation.

Then, there are the smart phones

Smart phones bring on a whole new experience. With apps that you can download to the phone, you can simplify the phone’s interface and make it easier to use. The over 65 group has really taken to surfing the web on their phones, as well as finding local businesses and information.

And, speaking of apps, there are tons of apps out there that can help seniors stay sharp mentally and help them do the things they want to do, such as organizing information, keeping in touch with friends, GPS for driving, managing their health, coupon clipping and much more.

Senior cell phone choices

If you’re thinking about giving a senior cell phone for Christmas, here’s a couple to choose from. For basic use, the Jitterbug Plus, Snapfon or Just5. All of them have basic emergency features, large screens that are easy-to-read and larger buttons. Also, the interface to use the phones are simplified.

If you’re thinking about a smart phone, the new Jitterbug Touch or Pantech Flex might be good. Of course, with so many apps available to make using the phone easier, you could get any one of the major smartphones out there with either the Apple or Android operating system. With the new Samsung Easy Mode functionality, the Galaxy S4 or Galaxy Note II might be just the right thing.

Cell phone plans

Of course, the cell phone plan monthly cost should always be considered. Most of the major carriers have plans for seniors, and there are many pay-as-you-go options available. Most major smart phones can be used with any carrier. The best advice is to shop around for rates and options before you make a purchase.

 

image: moodboardphotography

Filed Under: Featured, Holidays, Senior Cell Phones Tagged With: senior cell phones

About Mark Hager

By Mark Hager
LinkedIn | Twitter | Articles
Mark is the Founder of AgeInPlace.com. He also is a consultant and mentor who helps business and organizational leaders serving older adults and their families.

Aging in Place Newsletter

Articles, news & more to help you create the life you want at home. Sent monthly.

We will never give or sell your information to anyone.

Intuit Mailchimp
/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carolyn. Beymer says

    December 22, 2018 at 4:55 pm

    I am looking for a free cell phone help

    • Mark Hager says

      December 23, 2018 at 12:14 am

      Carolyn,

      You can go to the Lifeline support site:

      1. Get the program details: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/apply-for-lifeline/default.aspx

      2. Then, find a local provider: https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/Download/Report

      Once you talk to someone at a local phone company, just let them know you want to apply for the Lifeline program. They will ask you some questions and walk you through the process.

      I hope this helps!

      Mark

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Aging in Place Newsletter

Articles, news & more to help you create the life you want at home. Sent monthly.

We will never give or sell your information to anyone.



Intuit Mailchimp
/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

Recent Articles

Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities

Relieving Arthritis for Seniors

Caregiver Apps : Communicate Caregiving Responsibilities with Other Family Members

Joint Replacement Surgery: Things You Should Know

Debt Collection Laws for Senior Citizens to Avoid Abuse & Harassment

10 Ways To Keep Your Older Parents Active & Engaged

Footer

Aging in Place Basics

  • Aging in Place Basics
  • What is Aging in Place?
  • Home Remodeling
  • Aging in Place Technology
  • Your Community
  • Health Care
  • Services
  • Finances & Legal
  • Planning

Aging in Place Topics

  • Aging in place
  • Home remodeling
  • Home Automation
  • Elderly
  • Home Remodeling
  • Health
  • Senior Cell Phones
  • Aging in Place Glossary

Policies, Terms & Info

  • Terms, Privacy Policy & Earnings Disclaimer
  • Disclosure
  • Advertising
  • Submit an Article
  • Home Remodeling Submissions
  • Press Releases, News & Mentions
  • About
  • Contact

Terms or Us · Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclosure · Sitemap

©Copyright © 2025 AgeInPlace.com, Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this website's owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to AgeInPlace.com with a link to the original content.


This web site and the information contained herein is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, psychological, construction or any other kind of professional advice. Seek advice from a licensed and reputable professional for any matter addressed on this website.