Cell Phones and Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
For others, the phone is simple enough to handle but typical cell phone plans no longer suit their needs. With kids out of the house, full time employment perhaps behind them, the cell phone plans with huge pools of minutes are far more than is needed and an unnecessary expense.
The options are increasing however and there are a number of cell phones for seniors that may meet your needs. Be sure to use the expandable Table of Contents below to find what you need.
After you have browsed a bit, if you want a more comprehensive look at cell phones and cell phone plans be sure to check out our cellular and home electronics store for a broader selection.
Photo by Command Zed.The Original Simple Cell Phone
When it comes to a cell phones for seniors, the first option is the Jitterbug J phone; considered to be the original simple cell phone that includes basic plans as well.The Jitterbug was designed specifically with older individuals in mind and is well suited to anyone who is seeking a cell phone with fewer functions, larger buttons, larger font (print) on the screen, and good volume. The Jitterbug J phone is also hearing aid compatible.
It's a great phone for anyone who may need occasional assistance from an operator as it provides such suppport which can even help users put numbers into their contact list.
The cell phone plans offer simple options that provide calling without long distance or roaming charges and no time of day restrictions. Plans start as low as $14.99 per month and no long term contract is required. The per minute charge is a bit higher than many packages that offer the large bundles of time, but for those with limited calling needs it can still be a cost saver.
Visit our Simple Cell Phone webpage for more information.
See the Jitterbug
Selecting a Phone for a Hearing Impaired Senior?
Be sure you know how to select a phone with the features they need. Visit our Cell Phones for the Hearing Impaired page to learn all about it.
Tracfone Senior Value Cell Phone
Their Samsung T155G is designed with simplicity in mind. It offers oversized keys and a large, lighted display screen, both of which are easy to read. It's a flip phone that displays the user's minutes balance so that they always know when it's time to purchase more talk time. There are no bills and dialing 911 is always free, even if there are no minutes remaining. There's no contract, no activation fee, and service is nationwide.
The phone provides simple yes/no navigation, external lighted icons to notify the user of any missed calls or messages, hearing aid compatibility, a WAP 2.0 browser, voice mail, a speaker phone, a calendar, alarm clock, calculator, stop watch, scheduler, SMS messaging capabilities, and a 200 entry phonebook. This phone provides 7 hours of talk time and 350 hours of standby time per charge.
AT&T's Cell Phone Plan Designed for Seniors
AT&T offers no cell phone designed especially for seniors, but for millions of older individuals this isn't the need as they are accustomed to using traditional cell phones and are quite comfortable with them.What AT&T does offer is a cell phone plan that is designed for the typical needs of aging customers. Those who may be retired, whose children are grown, and who require smaller bundles of minutes and hope to realize the cost savings associated with the lower usage.
The Senior Nation 200 plan offers users age 65 and older 200 anytime minutes, 500 night and weekend minutes, and unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling for $29.99 per month. With this plan the caller never pays roaming or long distance charges. Calls beyond the plan limit cost 45 cents per mintute and a 2 year contract is required.
Below you will find some more traditional phones that might double as cell phones for seniors thanks to some of their features.
Cell Phones for Seniors From AT&T
The Pantech Ease
With the "Say A Command" feature users can speak commands and with the "Read Out Mode" they can have callers and text read aloud to them. The Ease also offers voice dialing, voice memo, a speakerpone function, and is hearing aid (M3/T4) and TTY compatible. It has a Quick Contact key that allows users to call or text their top 3 contacts or access voicemail easily.
The Ease provides voice guided turn-by-turn direction with it's built in GPS, Bluetooth technology, a built-in MP3 player, 2 megapixel still camera and video camcorder, HTML web browsing, and the ability to e-mail, text, instant, or multimedia message others. You can see it below.
The Pantech Breeze: Another Senior Friendly Cell Phone
Although it is a farily basic cell phone, the Pantech Breeze offers more functions than many of its competitors if a senior is more confident with using modern cell phones. It offers a VGA-quality camera, downloadable games, ringtones and wallpapers, the ability to send and receive text and picture messages with sound, web browsing, and bluetooth capabilities.
Nokia 6085: A Basic Cell Phone for Seniors
It can also be attractive for seniors with more cell phone experience. It offers multimedia messaging, web browsing, MP3 player, digital camera, and more.
Verizon Coupe and Their Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Verizon on the other hand does have a cell phone designed specifically for seniors. They introduced the Coupe back in 2007. This simple cell phone provides help for those with dexterity problems or mild visual problems. It has 3 large programmable emergency buttons as well as a 911 button in addition to the typical, yet enlarged keypad.It also offers a larger than average display for easier viewing as well as a speakerphone.
For individuals 65 and older, Verizon Wireless offers their Nationwide 65 Plus cell phone plan for seniors. For $29.99/month (and a two year committment) users get 200 anytime minutes per moth and 500 nigh and weekend minutes. There are no domestic long distance charges and users also get web access, caller ID, and voicemail.
A number of Verizon phones are compatible with the plan including a variety of BlackBerry devices and the HTC Droid Incredible.
Verizon Coupe
This phone is hearing aid compatible and offers picture and text messaging in addition to voice calling for seniors who are accustomed to modern cell phones.
See the Verizon Coupe
Verizon's Samsung Haven
Samsung Haven U320 Phone (Verizon Wireless)
Amazon Price: (as of 02/13/2012)![]()
The Samsung Haven is another cell phone for seniors who want something simple. It is hearing aid compatible (M4/T4) and offers dedicated keys for one-touch quick access, a speakerphone, and five health related applications. It offers reminder alarms, a fitness trainer with 15 unique stretching techniques, healing music selections to help relieve stress, and a medical information application that lets you make medical notes and stores your information such as allergies and medications so that it's always available when you need it.
The external screen display the time, battery life, and signal strength while the 2.2 inch color internal screen offers adjustable font. This phone provides advanced speech recognition and gives users voice calling and text messaging capabilities.
The Samsung Knack
It has an external display which shows the time, battery life, signal strength, and numeric caller ID without having to flip the phone open. It's hearing aid compatible (M4/T4) and has a speakerphone as well. Voice dialing, a 911 and user-programmable ICE (in case of emergency) button, large keys and simple menus are also accomodating. The screen is bright and the text reasonably large making it easy to view placing it high on the list of cell phones for seniors.
See the Knack
Virgin Mobile: Another Option for Some Seniors
For seniors who are comfortable with cell phones but are merely looking for plans that don't require them to purchase packages with a large number of minutes, Virgin Mobile might be a good option.Virgin Mobile requires no contract. Monthly plans are as low as $24.99 per month for 200 anytime minutes and 500 night & weekend minutes. Pay-as-You-Go plans can be as low as $20 per month for 200 minutes. Phones can be as low as $14.99.
For more visit the Virgin Mobile website.
ClarityLife C900
The ClarityLife Phone entered the market in November 2008. It's a simple cell phone designed with the elderly in mind. It has a large display which offers the option of magnified text. It has 4 prominent buttons with a one touch emergency response option allowing the user to pre-program up to 5 numbers to contact in case of urgent situations. The phone cycles through all 5 numbers until one is reached. Contact is attempted through voice calls and text messages.The C900 also features a flashing alert for incoming calls, vibrate ringer, and is hearing aid compatible; a good cell phone for seniors with a hearing loss. The phone costs approximately $269 and can be purchased at http://www.clarityproducts.com.
Volume can be amplified up to 20dB for those with mild to moderate hearing impairment. The phone is unlocked and can be used on a GSM network (such as T-Mobile or AT&T). It can be added to an existing plan.This phone appears to be most similar to the most basic Jitterbug model.
See the ClarityLife
A Senior Cell Phone Plan from Consumer Cellular and AARP
Consumer Cellular now offers several cell phones to AARP members; some at no cost and others as high as $100. The phones are typical rather than being designed specifically as cell phones for seniors. However, no long term contract or cancellation fees are required.Members also receive a 5% discount on monthly access and airtime rates, a 30% discount on some accessories, a 45 day trial period with money back guarantee, and plans starting as low as $10/month.
Learn more by calling 1-800-686-4460 or visiting the Consumer Cellular website.
Doro Phones
In addition, these phones offer Bluetooth technology, an FM radio, and flashlight. They give users a 100 entry phone book, a wake up alarm, and the ability to make phone calls and to send and receive text messages. You can also receive MMS/picture messages. Plans start at $10/month and AARP members get a 5% disount. There is no contract required.
A Quick Look at the Phone Easy Phones
Doro Cell Phones
Just5 Phones
JUST5 J509 Easy to Use Unlocked Cell Phone with Big Buttons, Amplified Sound, Personal Emergency Response System (Orange)
Amazon Price: $62.51 (as of 02/13/2012)![]()
The Just5 phones have a spacious keypad, big buttons, amplified sound, and Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) giving users an SOS emergency button for safety. It provides voice calling, text messaging, a flashlight, an FM radio, and great call quality. Users can switch to speakerphone and get three buttons to set up for speed dial.
This is an unlocked GSM phone for use with services such as AT&T or T-Mobile.
EZ One
Snapfon ezONE-C Senior Cell Phone with Big Buttons and Easy to Use: Cell Phones & Accessories
Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 02/13/2012)![]()
The EZ One is a fairly simple cell phone designed with seniors and those with low vision in mind. It measures on 2" x 4" x 0.5" and has a 1.6" LCD screen. It provides voice calling, text messaging, and voice mail. It also features a built in flashlight, built in FM radio, and features like a calendar, alarm, vibration alert, handsfree speakerphone, and adjustable volume.
Users can program up to 8 numbers for one button dialing and they also get an emergency button that can be programmed to dial 4 numbers of their choosing. This cell phone also offers a keyboard that can be set up to speak numbers as you dial. The keypad features large buttons with oversized, bright white lettering on a black background.
This cell phone for seniors is easy to navigate and offers a full 3 to 5 hours of talk time per charge. It is a dual band GSM phone that will work on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks as well as others. It can be used with both contract plans and prepaid options as well. This phone comes with a case, lanyard, and earbuds.
More Cell Phones for Seniors
Another possibility is John's Phone. It's a simple phone with large keys. It's only function is to make and receive calls. It's a quad band phone and operates on 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz frequencies and thus can be used to make calls to and from virtually every country (except Korea) The user can save up to 10 numbers and put them on speed dial for one button calling.
Cell Phones for Seniors with No Budget to Spare
For those who receive financial aid from state or federal programs or have a household income below the poverty level, there is the possibility they will qualify for a free cell phone and service through a government supported program known as SafeLink
What Features Would You Suggest for Cell Phones for Seniors?
Large buttons, large font, louder volume, simple menus, fewer extraneous functions are nice, but what other senior friendly features would you suggest for designers/manufacturers?
Very few features with the ability to upgrade as they become familiar with how to use it
Bling Cell Phone Covers more...3 points
Other Interesting Reading about Cell Phones for Seniors
- Mobiledia
- A patent that Motorola has worked on for a cell phone that automatically "adjusts to the elderly".
- e-bay reviews
- A few more recommendation on cell phones for seniors.
- Gemini Technologies
- An article about a GPS emergency phone from Gemini Technologies
- Cell Phone How To
- Another phone recommendation, from LG this time.
- How Technology Can Aid Seniors
- Newer development that can help senior remain independent for as long as possible.
- How to Design a Cell Phone for Seniors
- Some ideas for manufacturers
Other Pages of Interest
Cell Phones for Seniors: Was This Page Helpful? Let Us Know!
Want to learn more about the Jitterbug phones or prepaid options? Be sure to visit our page about cell phones for more information.
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i-PhoneDeveloper
Feb 7, 2012 @ 5:57 pm | delete
- very nice and informative lens thanks for sharing
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Katie
Jan 31, 2012 @ 10:32 pm | delete
- I agree Veronica. My mother loves her SVC phone because like the other offers the phone is designed for seniors but the service is provided at a much lower cost. Not only that, but since SVC is ran by TracFone they are backed by the same cell tower networks as the major providers!
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Katie
Jan 31, 2012 @ 10:32 pm | delete
- I agree Veronica. My mother loves her SVC phone because like the other offers the phone is designed for seniors but the service is provided at a much lower cost. Not only that, but since SVC is ran by TracFone they are backed by the same cell tower networks as the major providers!
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Veronica
Jan 31, 2012 @ 7:16 pm | delete
- I gotta say. The svc is GREAT for seniors. The device is pretty basic, no fancy apps or features, a simple flip phone with big keypad and big numbers on the screen that makes her fell confortable when dialing. Plus is very affordable, the phone was just $15 and the service is a prepaid no contact service that starts as low as $7 a month, she uses a little bit over that, but still unexpensive for her.
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Veronica
Jan 31, 2012 @ 7:16 pm | delete
- I gotta say. The svc is GREAT for seniors. The device is pretty basic, no fancy apps or features, a simple flip phone with big keypad and big numbers on the screen that makes her fell confortable when dialing. Plus is very affordable, the phone was just $15 and the service is a prepaid no contact service that starts as low as $7 a month, she uses a little bit over that, but still unexpensive for her.
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sojourner-1
Jan 8, 2012 @ 10:31 pm | delete
- This is good stuff and a lot of great info--thank you for sharing.
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Duncan
Dec 28, 2011 @ 11:10 am | delete
- It is quite simple. the best phone for seniors is the Jitterbug, but the most economical is the Tracfone SVC
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skiesgreen
Dec 27, 2011 @ 9:45 pm | delete
- Great lens and I could use some of the features of the Jitterbug. Hate it when I get a text message as I can't read them without racing around for my glasses and certianly hate texting anyone back. Featured this on Senile Warts. Hugs
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Steve Patrick
Dec 21, 2011 @ 2:18 pm | delete
- Get rid of the middle button you idiots! No senior in my life wants or needs internet and certainly does not need the "connecting..." message to appear everytime they make a miskey! Make navigational buttons huge! Or better yet, get rid of them altogether. Seniors do not need phone that need menus so large that you need to use up/down/left/right navigation. What is WRONG with phone companies?
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Nan
Nov 30, 2011 @ 9:23 am | delete
- looking for phone for 91-yr-old grandma who winters with kids in the south, so your comparison was very helpful
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Introduction Photo Credit: renaissancechambara.
The Simple Cell Phone Photo Credit: guspim
AT&T Photo Credit: MrVJTod.
Verizon Coupe Photo Credit: nomad.
Virgin Mobile Photo Credit: brick red.
Clarity Life Photo Credit: Dr. Hemmert.
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