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Simple Cell Phone

mulberry by mulberry
Last updated: 02/12/2012

The Perfect Simple Cell Phone and Cell Phone Plan

Like many people, I have older friends and relatives that I want to be sure are safe and can live as independently as possible. Cell phones could be really useful for these older individuals, but they're so complex, hard to handle, and possess a multitude of functions that are useless to some older people.

Even the cell phone plans themselves are complicated and expensive. Isn't there a better way?

After a long wait, I found a product that seems to really fit the need, a simple cell phone. Read on to learn about the Jitterbug cell phone which was designed specifically for the special needs that some seniors may have.



For those interested in a corded or cordless amplified phone, be sure to visit Amplified Phones.

Photo by Lisa Padilla.

So What's the Problem with Cell Phones?

Yeeks!

Millions of those over 65 (and many much younger than that) have reduced vision, hearing, or motor skills. Tiny buttons and miniscule font on the screen make the average cell phone hard to read and difficult to operate. Limited volume control and sleek design make them hard to hear and "slippery". All of these problems combined make these cool little gadgets inaccessible and tough to use.

Add in functions like MP3 player capabilities, video players, cameras, text messaging, etc. and overdesign and complexity are understatements.

Throw in confusing commands, cell phone plans with excessive detail, and convoluted billing and you have a product and service that boggles the mind.

What some people need is a simple cell phone and basic plans that are easy to understand.

Are There Any Solutions? A Simple Cell Phone?

The original option for those wanting a phone with simple navigation, easy handling, and only basic services are the Jitterbug cell phones.

This simple cell phone doesn't have confusing menus and it doesn't have a lot of extraneous functions to manuever around.

Not only is the phone designed specifically with the special needs of an older population in mind, but the associated cell phone plans are affordable for those who won't use large "buckets" of talk time. The plans also eliminate the complexity that's common in traditional plans.

How Does the Jitterbug Help Those with Hearing Impairment

The Jitterbug cell phone:

  • Is hearing aid compatible.

  • Has a padded ear cushion that not only makes
    it more comfortable, but helps to block out
    outside noise when listening.

  • Has a more powerful speaker than the average
    cell phone.

  • Has easy to use volume control to adjust to the
    needs of an individual user.

    Visit Cell Phones for the Hearing Impaired for more information about other options.

    • Is the Jitterbug Easier to Use if You Have Trouble Seeing Things?

    Yes, the Jitterbug:

  • Has larger buttons, with larger print.

  • Has backlit buttons.

  • Has larger text on the screen

  • Has a brighter screen, with brighter text on it than a traditional cell phone.

    • What Else Makes the Jitterbug a Simple Cell Phone?

    The Jitterbug cell phones:

  • are made specifically for voice calls and messages; there are fewer functions and fewer buttons to deal with

  • have simple, recognizable commands. Commands are simple yes/no questions

  • provide a dial tone just like traditional land line phones

  • provide 24 hour operator assistance as needed: to make calls, provide directory assistance, and even to add names to a personalized phone list if necessary.

  • Have voice activated dialing as needed.

  • Allow trusted others to add to the personalized phone list via a website if desired.

    • What Are the Different Jitterbug Cell Phone Models?

    Jitterbug now offers the J Phone which is a rounded clam shell design with a soft pad the fits snugly and securely around your ear. It comes in white and graphite and features a bright, easy to read 2" display and an external display on the front of the phone that gives you the date, time, and caller ID information.

    The phone is a bit slimmer and lighter than the earlier Jitterbug models but is still fits in your hand perfectly. It has a 50 entry phonebook, a button for volume control on the front, and a separate speakerphone button as well. The phone offers Bluetooth technology, caller ID, voice dialing, and call waiting. You can even get roadside assistance, voice mail, and a 24 hour nurse hotline if you want it.

    The J Phone costs $147.

    How Do the Jitterbug Cell Phone Plans Work?

    It makes sense, simple plans for a simple cell phone. The Jitterbug cell phone plans:

  • Offer calling that costs the same whenever and where ever you call. There is no roaming, long distance, or time of day restrictions. They also give you free night and weekend calling.

  • Offer minutes that don't disappear after 30 days; they roll over for 90 days. (One year roll over for add on minutes).

  • Don't require long term contracts or termination fees.

  • Start as low as $14.99 per month.

    • Jitterbug Cell Phone: A Quick Look

    The reviewer is condescending, but provides a quick look at the J phone.
    60-second review: The Samsung Jitterbug J
    by MiamiHerald | video info

    8 ratings | 16,479 views
    curated content from YouTube

    For You or an Older Loved One...What's Most Important?

    1

    Vote Up
    Vote Down

    Being able to call family and friends with a single button

    2 points

    2

    Vote Up
    Vote Down

    Having an operator available to assist

    2 points

    3

    Vote Up
    Vote Down

    Being able to call 911 in an emergency

    1 point

    4

    Vote Up
    Vote Down

    Having a phone that is easier to hear

    1 point

    5

    Vote Up
    Vote Down

    Having a phone that doesn't have a confusing menu and instructions

    1 point

    6

    Vote Up
    Vote Down

    Staying socially engaged with a phone that is easy to use

    0 points

    7

    Vote Up
    Vote Down

    Having a phone that doesn't look like a kids phone

    0 points

    8

    Vote Up
    Vote Down

    Having a phone that is easier to see

    0 points

    Books that May be of Interest on Amazon

    A good cell phone is a start, but there is much to assuring the safety and quality of life for the elderly.
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    So What Do You Say?

    Which Do You Want?

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    Simplify My Life!

    COUNTRYLUTHIER says:

    I say a phone is a phone.

    Posted October 10, 2011

    Tipi says:

    I'm happy with the basics.

    Posted August 21, 2011

    KayeSI says:

    I'd have to pick both buttons! :) As a member of the Sandwich Generation, caring for elderly parents and babysitting grandchildren, I greatly depend on my wonderful iPhone. It's like my second brain (some days, it's my only brain :) ). BUT for my senior mom - it's the Jitterbug, all the way. We agree with you that they are the best cell phones for senior citizens - easy, big buttons, and wonderful. So for her, I will click the first button - but for me - it's the second. Thanks for a fun poll :)

    Posted April 07, 2011

    Jay says:

    I'm not on a fixed budget, but I want a simple phone that makes and takes calls and text messages, that's it. I don't need surfing, e-mail, and all that stuff.

    Posted November 10, 2010

    Tom Euler says:

    For having a "Simple " phone it is TOO expensive!! A prepaid plan that rolls over like Page Plus is much more senior friendly!! We are on a fixed budget. If we don't want all the bells and whistles why are we paying for them in the price of the phone and service? Think again Jitterbug!! Not the best for Seniors.

    Posted October 29, 2010

    No Way, Give Me All the Cool Stuff on My Phone!

    BizGuides says:

    Geek Stuff, Hey it's the 21st Century!
    Remember the boy with the Most Toys, ...Wins!

    Posted October 22, 2010

    SusanVillasLewis says:

    Just got a Blackjack, so I'm enjoy being able to easily use all the bells and whistles. My old phones had them, but they were too tough to use. So yeah for extras now!!

    Posted January 20, 2008

     
    view all 11 comments

    Jitterbug Not Quite What You're Looking For?

    Not all seniors have the same need! For other senior friendly options check out our Cell Phones for Seniors page.

    The Jitterbug Cell Phone in Recent Blog Posts from Google

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    Simple Cell Phone: Is the Jitterbug Right for You?

    Still looking for the right cell phone plan or phone? Be sure to visit our online cellular and electronics store.

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    Photo Credits
    Introduction: guspim.
    So What's the Problem with Cell Phones: Zach Klein.
    How Does Jitterbug Help Those with Hearing Impairment: brooklyn.
    Is Jitterbug Easier to Use if You Have Trouble Seeing: waffler.

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