Many cell phone providers offer senior citizen cell phone plans that are designed to make it easy for older adults to enjoy the convenience of mobile communications while keeping the phone functionality easy to understand and simple to use.
There are different plans to choose from. The first plan to consider is GreatCall. With this plan, seniors can pick the Jitterbug phone, which is discussed later in this article.
GreatCall has a pay as you go phone plan for seniors. There is no penalty for changing plans within GreatCall’s system, and older adults don’t have to pay a cancellation fee. The phone plans range from very limited to unlimited.
Another option is the Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan. Seniors can choose from single line plans, which have a low number of monthly minutes, choices of text message options and different data plans. All feature low usage numbers, if your loved ones don’t talk or want to text very often.
Verizon also offers their 65 Plus Two-Line Share plans. Senior couples can purchase a plan that has more minutes, text messaging and data plans than the single line plan at reasonable rates.
AT&T also has a senior citizen mobile phone plan. The AT&T Senior Nation 200 plan price varies depending upon your zip code. The base cost can be as low as $29.99 per month, with basic voicemail, long distance and conference calling. Their plan requires a contract and a new activation.
Simple Cell Phones For Seniors To Use
First, you need to consider any physical limits of your loved ones – many cell phones have very small buttons that are easy to accidentally press, which is a poor user experience. Inadvertently pressing unintended keys can cause wrong phone calls, open confusing applications or even send garbled text messages that require follow up. Older Americans greatly benefit from the physically larger phones with bigger buttons that reduce keypad errors. Many seniors have arthritis, wrist trouble or tremors that make using the modern, small cell phones frustrating to use.
In addition, it’s likely most seniors don’t need smart phones that have multiple apps. Many of these apps aren’t created and marketed for older adults; they’re aimed at younger people who can manipulate small keypads and screen buttons. The most popular and easy to use mobile phone for seniors to use is the Jitterbug.
It has large keys that are clearly labeled, which makes them easy to see in different light levels. The Jitterbug phone screen uses a large font that’s also easier to read. Not only is it designed to be easier to read, the built-in speaker has an amplifier to make sounds clearer and easier to hear. The Jitterbug mobile phone has a longer lasting battery, eliminating the daily need to charge the device.
And, just to make it more fun for seniors to use their cell phone, Jitterbug now has a built-in camera. The menu has simple “yes/no” choices, and taking a picture only requires one button to press. Seniors can also use the photo sharing feature, by simply choosing which social media to share with and pressing “yes.”
Another senior citizen-friendly phone is the Doro PhoneEasy 618. It’s similar to the Jitterbug with large buttons, simple menus, one button voice mail and speed dial.
Basic, simple cell phone functions like send/receive calls are the best; pre-programmed 911 capability is desirable. Set up the phone for your senior loved one – put the most frequently called numbers into memory or contacts for them, and show them how to access those numbers.
No matter which plan and phone your loved ones choose, they all offer basic services at lower prices and simple phone functions to reduce frustration and encourage telephone communications.
