Cell Phones and Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

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Amy Fields
8 years ago
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1 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 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 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 support. Operators 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. The Perfect Simple Cell Phone and Cell Phone Plan

For others, the phone is simple enough to handle but typical cell phone plans no longer suit their needs.

2 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. So What's the Problem with Cell Phones? 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.

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.

3 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 Is hearing aid compatible. The Jitterbug cell phone: 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. 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:

The Jitterbug cell phone: Has a padded ear cushion that not only makes it more comfortable, but helps to block out outside noise when listening.

4 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.

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.

5 Start as low as $14.99 per month. Visit for more information about the Jitterbug phone. For those interested in a corded or cordless amplified phones, be sure to visit Finding the Right Amplified Phone If you have a hearing impairment or know someone who does maybe you should consider an amplified phone to make communication easier and more effective. There are a number of models on the market with various features to aid those who have hearing loss and we offer a few options for the deaf. General Phone Features There are many features to consider when selecting amplified phones. Just as with any telephone you should decide whether you want a corded phone or cordless. Cordless obviously provides more mobility. Speaker phones are also available for those who prefer these models. Also like other telephones you need to determine whether features such as caller ID, answering machine functions, and so forth are desirable. How Much and What Kind of Amplification? Amplified phones boost volume. Check the phone you re considering to see if the volume will be adequate. Some will increase volume by 10 db while others can increase it by up to 50 db. Another important consideration is tone control. For many with hearing loss higher frequency sounds are more difficult to hear than lower frequency sounds. If the phone

com/amplified_phones Finding the Right Amplified Phone If you have a hearing impairment or know someone who does maybe you should consider an amplified phone to make communication easier and more

6 allows users to amplify particular tones or frequencies it may be more effective. In many instances having an amplified ringer or some type of visual indicator (such as a flashing light) to alert the user of an incoming call is critical for those with a more significant hearing loss. It is also possible to purchase amplified ringers and handsets versus an entirely new phone. For those with hearing aids, it s also important that the amplified phone be hearing aid compatible with at least an M3/T3 rating. Features For Motor or Visual Problems There are other features to consider when choosing an amplified phone. Sometimes a user can benefit from larger buttons or single button dialing/speed dialing or perhaps voice dialing to compensate for any difficulty using the tiny buttons on regular phones. For others with visual impairment amplified phones with Braille are necessary. Features For Those with Profound Hearing Loss In some instances an amplified phone may not be sufficient. A TTY phone, or TDD, offers such individuals the ability to place and receive calls via a keyboard and display for printed text. VCO phones are another alternative. Learn more go to:

loss. It is also possible to purchase amplified ringers and handsets versus an entirely new phone.

To help manage calls:

Mobile Phone Feature Definitions To help manage calls: Call waiting and call hold Allows you to accept a second incoming call with out losing the original call, then switch back and forth between them.