Cell Phones and Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Why would cell phones for seniors need to be any different than typical phones? For many of us, as we get older our needs change. In some instances a senior may find they need a cell phone that is easier to handle, something that is easier to see, or easier to hear. A more simple cell phone.
For others the phone is simple enough to handle but typcial 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.
The Original Simple Cell Phone
When it comes to a cell phones for seniors, the first option is the Jitterbug; 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.
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.
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 need 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 the plan the caller never pays roaming or long distance charges. Calls beyond the plan limit costs 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.
An AT&T Senior Friendly Phone
The AT&T PanTech Breeze is touted as a "Senior Friendly Phone". Indeed it offers a clear speakerphone with good volume, large well spaced buttons for easier dialing and 3 pre-programmable quick call buttons. It also offers larger font (type) and fairly simple menus.Although it is a farily basic cell phone, the Pantech breeze offers more functions that many of it's competitors if a senior is more confident with using modern cell phones. It offers a VGA-quality Camera, Downloadable Games, Real Music Ringtones and Wallpapers, the ability to send and receive text and picture messages with sound and web browsing and bluetooth capabilities.
The Pantech Breeze is available at no charge when purchasing a qualifying two year AT&T plan.
Another AT&T Phone Rated Highly for Seniors
This AT&T Nokia 6085 offers:It is available free with a qualifying plan.
Sprint/Nextel Phone Rated Highly for Seniors
This Motorola i760 offers:It also offers may of the features that experienced cell phone users want such as multimedia messaging and web browsing. This phone is available for $69.99 with a qualifying plan.
Verizon Coupe and Their Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Verizon on the other had 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.
Verizon also has two cell phone plans available to anyone age 65 and over, which are appropriate for those with more limited calling needs. These plans do not require that the user select the Verizon Coupe.
The Americas Choice 65 Plus Single Line Plan provides 200 anytime minutes, 500 night & weekend minutes and unlimited in network calling minus any domestic long distance charges, for $29.99 per month.
The Americas Choice 65 Plus Two Line Plan offers 450 shared anytime minutes, 1,000 shared night & weekend minutes for $59.99.
Both plans require a two year contract.
The Verizon Coupe
Click on the pictured image for more information or to buy
This Verizon Wireless Coupe cell phone for seniors is a small lightweight flip phone with:This Verizon Coupe is available free when signing up with a qualifying plan.
Verizon's Samsung Knack
The Samsung Knack is among the best cell phones for seniors as well. It offers the ability to place voice calls, retrieve voice messages, and text message. It doesn't have the entertainment and convenience features such as a camera, MP3 player, or web browser, but does offer more senior friendly features.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.
This phone is available at no cost when signing up for a qualifying Verizon Wireless plan. Just click on the image for more information.
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
SafeGuardian One Button GPS Cell Phone
Among the most basic of the cell phones for seniors is the SafeGuardian cell phone. It's primarily an emergency phone as it does not accept incoming calls. Users press a single button to connect to a personal assist who will notify and send any necessary assistance to the callers location. In addition the service can provide directions and assist in locating things when in unfamiliar areas.The user can also have the call center connect them to other individuals, anywhere in the world, for non-emergency purposes but such calls run around 40 cents per minute.
The phone offers a handsfree speakerphone with a 95dB siren to scare off any potential intruders.
Service contracts go as low as $35/month but require a multiple year contract.
You can learn more by calling 1-800-378-2957 or visiting the SafeGuardian website.
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.
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?
Other Items of Interest
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.
Have an Old Cell Phone You would Like to Sell?
Cell Phones for Seniors: Was This Page Helpful? Let Us Know!
Ramkitten wrote...
I had no idea there were cell phones designed for seniors. This is interesting to me, because my 81 year-old mom definitely has trouble seeing and hearing with her current cell. The plans designed for seniors wouldn't help her, though ... because, boy, can she yack! Anyhow, I'm going to keep these special phones in mind, because she needs to replace her cell soon. Great information here, and I'm lensrolling it to mine about how to NOT lose a cell phone (which my mom has a problem with also). :)
Posted September 17, 2009
ClassyGals wrote...
Thanks for the info on cell phones for seniors. My parents, unfortunately, don't want any kind of cell phone. The land line phone is confusing to them. I wish they would be willing to own one the featured cell phones that you mentioned. They sound great! Five stars.
Posted June 30, 2009
homecarediva wrote...
Excellent lens for those who have aging loved ones at home. They start to make phones with GPS for kids, they should offer similar option for seniors with dementia.
Posted March 31, 2009
mulberry wrote...
in reply to ARTHUR KAHN Where are you at? This isn't something I am familiar with but a quick search online leads me to believe it might be something available in Europe. (I'm in the US) Here is a link to one of the pages I found http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22safeline%22 calling. Just copy and paste it into your browser and it should pull up a PDF document.
Posted February 27, 2009
ARTHUR KAHN wrote
I have heard of a Safeline program of free cell phones for seniors, simple phones to be use in emergencies. Can you provide information ?
Posted February 21, 2009
mulberry wrote...
in reply to Joe P Are you ok using just one line? Or do you need two? There are several options listed above for significantly less if you are over 65. AT&T Senior Nation gives you 200 minutes for $29.99 as Does Verizon's Amreica's Choice 65. Jitterbug offers plans for like 150 minutes for around $30. The least expensive for light users really is the pay as you go option. If you are younger than 65, pay-as-you-go is an obvious option too. They have a relatively high per minute rate but it's still a low overall cost based on low usage. I have a page that discusses Emergency Only Cell Phones and it goes into more detail about the pay as you go options. http://www.squidoo.com/emergency-cell-phones
Posted February 01, 2009
Joe P wrote
All I'm looking for is a simple plan that doesn't cost an arm and leg. Don't need a plan with 100's of minute, just something that I can use while away from home. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint all try to push their 500 minute family plan on me. Currently have one, but both of us combined don't even use 100 minutes per month. Any ideas
Posted February 01, 2009
Evelyn_Saenz wrote...
in reply to lakeerieartists Getting my father and in-laws to turn on their cell phones is the biggest problem I see as well. Maybe as cell phones are being developed that issue will be addressed.
Posted December 22, 2008
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.
Safe Guardian Photo Credit: greefus groinks.
You can review this site at The Isle of Squid.
This site is listed at LensMasterWorld.com.
by mulberry
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