Cell phones are handy but many older people have trouble with them because they are hard to understand or hard to see. Here are a few cell phones for seniors that are neither.
The Jitterbug (s) Senior Cell Phone
The Jitterbug Dial (shown on left) is causing quite a stir in the cell phone market. specifically designed for seniors, this phone features a large display, back-lit and bright easy to see buttons, full keypad for dialing, simple “Yes” and “No” action buttons, quick operator button (Press “0” to reach a live Jitterbug operator), onscreen help and large text. It also offers a personal phone list, is hearing-aid compatible, a padded earpiece to reduce outside noise, familiar dial tone when ready to call, convenient volume control, easy message service and retrieval and an easy to use speakerphone.
The Jitterbug One-Touch (shown on right), the sibling of the Dial, offers amenities like an operator button (press it reach a live Jitterbug operator), a middle direct dial button is personalized for you, one touch access to 911 services, large backlit and bright, easy to see buttons, on-screen help, and simple “Yes” and “No” action buttons. It also boasts a personal phone list, is hearing-aid compatible, has a padded earpiece to reduce outside noise, has a familiar dial tone when ready to call, has convenient no-mistake volume control and an easy to use message service and retrieval. Learn more at the Jitterbug website.
Verizon Coupe
This exclusive Verizon phone was designed specifically for senior citizens. Featuring three large programmable emergency buttons AND a 911 button. The keys are large and it has a large display with big fonts for easy reading. It isn’t lacks functionality of some conventional phones, but it has great battery life, is hearing aid compatible, has color-coded plugs and a good speaker phone. Learn more at the Verizon website.
EmporiaLife
This phone is simply, well, simple. Designed for easy reading, the buttons and keypad are easy to use. The phone was designed to be used closed most of the time. The default screen is the contact list, so there is no menu navigation when you want to call someone; just arrow down to the number and hit the big green button. There is a large emergency button on the back of the phone. Once pressed, it will dial up to 5 numbers that can be programmed into it. As an added bonus, this phone will run off AAA batteries when the Li-Ion battery runs down. It offers speakerphone and text messaging as well. Learn more at the EmporiaLife website.
Learn more about cell phones for seniors
See our growing list of cell phones with some of the most recent to the market.
The selections of cell phones for seniors that are featured on this website can be considered complete if Just5 phone is included in the list. I doubt that Just5 phone was not featured among the three cell phones for seniors so as not to overlap them. This is simply because Just5 phone outstands among the selections since it is designed with more practicality.
I would say that Jitterbug is not a fine choice for the seniors. I have read the reviews that were written about it and most of them are too negative. The consumers were failed to be satisfied by this company. The Verizon Coupe is stylish but I don’t find its design practical enough for the elderly. They need to have an easy access to the keypad, especially to the emergency button. My feedback for EmporiLife is similar to my feedback to Verizon Coupe. The elderly will value the phone’s functionality more than the phone’s fashion.
Obviously, Jus5 phone will stand out because of its very simple yet very attractive make up. The phone is well thought of in terms of design and features. Much more, the phone is not being offered at a very expensive cost. For only $119.9, an elderly can secure himself a reliable cell phone already. And that amount goes without any contract.
http://www.Just5.com
But can you use Verizon phone service?
Visiting Nurse Service of New York blogger Debbie Stricoff asked the seniors in her Adult Day Center on their ideas about cell phones. True and funny. http://blogs.vnsny.org/2011/08/22/seniors-and-cel…
How does these compare with the SVC Tracfone, it hasn't been mentioned on here and I was considering it for my Mother
Kenny,
It is probably comparable to the original Jitterbug for size, but probably has an easier to read screen. Menu functions are similar to other senior phones. I think before buying one I would consider her eyesight, dexterity and cognitive abilities. If she's still feeling really sharp and doesn't have problems with her fingers, then a smaller phone might suit her well. If that is not the case, then another model like the Just5 (https://ageinplace.com/aging-in-place-technology/cell-phones/senior-cell-phones-just5/) or Snapfon (https://ageinplace.com/aging-in-place-technology/cell-phones/senior-cell-phones-snapfon-ez-one/)might be better.