Technology is changing the way the modern world works.
While this brings may benefits for everyone, there’s always been the unfortunate downside that seniors tend to get left behind.
Typically, this is because technology moves at such a fast and innovative rate, it can be extremely difficult for a senior to learn all the ins and outs of how something works before it is then updated and changed again.
We happen to live at the beginning of the technological era, and people 50 years ago couldn’t even imagine some of the devices and systems that exist today.
However, this doesn’t mean that seniors are excluded from benefiting of the advantages technology can bring into an everyday life.
Computers, tablet devices and smartphones can offer freedom and entertainment for seniors otherwise only hardly to achieve.
For smartphones there is a full range of devices out there specially designed for seniors. They offer a range of senior-friendly features and there are many other social and functional benefits that can be enjoyed.
With the ability to text or call, you can help to reduce feelings of loneliness or help to stay connected to loved ones and friends in a way that wouldn’t have been possible 50 years ago. This can help to reduce the feelings of mental conditions such as anxiety and depression, leading to a happier and more fulfilling sense of self.
While this was already possible 10 years ago, the smartphone available today have much more to offer than texts or calls.
Downloadable applications, brain games for seniors, or the ability to access the internet: There are countless websites available that cater to elderly.
Get some inspiration for your arts and crafts hobby or find out what the newest senior fashion trends are.
Today, we’re going to explore a selection of great senior smartphones.
We will help you to get back into the technology you might have lost track on. Don’t worry, we made sure to explain everything as thoroughly as possible.
All the phones we’ve chosen will work on a variety of networks, such as AT&T or Verizon, and vary with the features they come with. This means you’ll be able to easily find the smartphone that works for you and your individual circumstances.
PowerTel M9500
The PowerTel M9500 has been specially designed for seniors by the Amplicomms company who dedicates their productions to making phones that maximize accessibility.
In fact, the company’s motto is ‘Loud and Clear,’ with focus on giving their mostly elderly user base the best technological and stressless experience.
If you’re a senior looking for a loud phone that will make it really hard to miss calls, this is the phone you’ve been looking for. This particular device is capable of ringing up to an incredible 90dB which can be boosted by another 40dB at the push of a button. This is perfect if you run into a situation where you have trouble to hear what the other person is saying on the phone.
This level of accessibility continues when it comes to everyday usage. The menu has been designed with large and easy to read buttons with a high contrast color scheme. Despite the simplistic layout, you’ll be able to enjoy some premium tech features, such as a built-in camera and even a slot for a memory card (a very easy and cheap way for you to increase the amount of data you can save on your phone, such as music and photos).
Furthermore, since this is a more streamlined device, the battery can last for weeks on a single charge, and the entire device is even M4 or T4 hearing-aid compatible!
Alcatel Pixi 4
The Alcatel Pixi 4 is a small and lightweight smartphone that prides itself on the powerful features that the leading Android smartphones offer, but is condensed into an easy to use, non-confusing format that seniors are going to love.
It comes with a clear, colorful touchscreen, a powerful 3MP camera at the back and a 1.3MP front-facing camera so you can video call your loved ones, no matter where they are in the world.
What we really love about this device over the other Android devices is just how much effort has been put into making this phone easy to navigate.
The interface is clean and quick, and you’re sure to be able to find everything you want, without having to search around for too long.
As with all other Android devices, there are a range of built-in accessibility options, so you can adapt your device with what works best for you.
You’ll have access to the internet and the Play Store where you’ll be able to download a ton of apps. Depending on what you want to do, you can check out walking routes in your local area, cooking recipes, arts and craft ideas or blogs for seniors, there are countless options. This is all for one of the lowest prices out there!
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
While the Note brand tends to be associated with business owners and creative types, there are so many reasons why this hugely popular phone is ideal for seniors.
Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, is the size of the screen. If a senior was using a small screen, they might find it hard to see what they’re doing, what buttons they’re pressing, or they may struggle to read on-screen text.
However, this model prides itself on its 5.7-inch, full high-definition LED touchscreen that’s easily one of the most vibrant screens on the market. There’s no way you’d be able to misinterpret or struggle to see anything on this screen. This device is compatible with the Samsung Stylus since many seniors might be more comfortable using a pen than their fingers.
You might be thinking that surely there’s been a more recent version of the Samsung Galaxy Note over the last few years. While this is true, these devices can reach into the hundreds of dollars price zone, whereas the Note 5 is now several years old and can be picked for a relatively affordable price tag.
Finally, the most important consideration on this device is the built-in “Easy Mode”. This is a mode that changes the entire layout and function of the device to make things easier. This includes simpler color schemes, larger font sizes, larger buttons and a range of customizable options so you can set the device up to work best for you and your individual capabilities.
Microsoft Lumia 650
While a Windows phone such as the Lumia may be far too complicated for a senior who’s just starting to introduce technology into their lives, if you’re a senior who has used a Windows computer in the past, this device could be the ideal switch into the world of smartphones.
The user interface and the logos and buttons, have been designed to match the Windows desktop counterparts, making it even easier for seniors to know what they’re doing. Unlike Apple and Android devices, all the options are displayed as ‘Tiles,’ meaning they’re big, easy to use and read, and can be resized, depending on what’s important to you and what features you use the most.
In terms of actual device usage, this phone prides itself on its 5-inch screen which is more than big enough to see everything and use your fingers to accurately select the feature you want to use. There’s even an integrated 8MP camera which makes it easy to take high-quality photos which can then be easily sent to friends and loved ones.
Doro 8030
When you’re looking for the right smartphone, you’ll find there are two main options available to you;
Apple and Android.
While Apple’s iOS is very intuitive, Android is as easy to understand and a lot more customizable.
With the Doro 8030, you’ll have access to a helpfully modified version of Android that has been designed with seniors in mind. This means you’ll receive on-screen tips and notifications that you can follow while you’re getting to know the device.
This particular phone is very easy to set up and all the prompts are designed to ensure the most effortless experience. The buttons on the screen have been made larger and more visible and include picture icons so you can easily identify the button you’re looking for.
As with most modern-day smartphones, you’ll have the ability to make calls and texts; you can add your email accounts, browse the internet or add apps from the store. The device is easy to hold, lightweight, and the physical buttons are large and durable ensuring a long lifespan.
Jitterbug Flip
The Jitterbug Flip is the senior-friendly smartphone you’re looking for if you’re in need of a simple, easy to use phone that’s restricted to making calls and sending text messages.
The device has no internet connectivity options and a poor VGA-quality camera that will take pictures, but the quality is far lower than the other cameras on this list.
Why it’s on the list?
In terms of ease of use, this phone is outstanding.
It has a simple menu, a backlit and clear keypad and buttons, superior battery life that will last for weeks on a single charge and the sound quality during calls is crisp and clear, although it may be too quiet for those with hearing problems.
The text on both screens is large and clear and comes in a monochrome-styled color scheme so you can easily see and read what you’re looking at.
To add to this, there’s a certain feature built into this phone which sets it apart from the rest;
The 5Star Urgent Response button.
When you’re setting up your device with the Family Plan, you can dial in the number of a person that you want to list as your emergency contact, and you’ll be able to get in touch with them at the push of a single button.
With the push of this button, you’ll also be able to contact the emergency services directly, so you can get help if and whenever you need it. If you’re living alone and find yourself in trouble, this can be a life-saver.
iPhone SE (4th Generation)
If you are used to Android phones, the iPhone is going to be very different from anything you will have used before.
However, if you’re willing to learn and want to unlock the power and features these devices have, don’t go for the latest model, go for an older, easier model like the 4th Generation SE.
These devices are easy to set up, and navigation is as intuitiv once you’ve taught yourself where everything is. There is a wealth of tutorial guides and videos online that can help with any questions you may have.
While smaller than some of the other handsets on this list, only having a 4-inch touchscreen, this device is still easy to use and read, since you’ll see everything in a very high resolution.
You’ll be able to write and send text messages and make calls, but if you’re looking to really dive into what the world of smartphones is all about, this is definitely a device allowing you to do so.
You’ll have access to wide range of applications, such as YouTube and all social media platforms, news, weather and television apps. There are millions of apps to choose from, all readily available for you to download in the App Store.
These can be games, movies, books, puzzles, camera apps, GPS walking apps, money management, online banking and more. Basically, anything you can imagine your device doing, you can be almost sure that there’s an app that will help you do it.
The Iphone too comes with a range of accessibility options built into the device, such as high-contrast screen and larger texts and fonts, as well as apps that make your overall experience easier.