Today’s phones for seniors or older adults are more practical than sophisticated avant-garde models. This population sector, same as others, needs to communicate. But they need telephones easy to operate in their daily routine.
In the following article, we will talk about the history and evolution of cell phones to better understand this topic. We will also establish the 5 best options in phones for seniors.
Evolution of cellphones
The basic mobile phones were called phones for seniors. In its beginnings, communication was only possible through calls, but text messages could not be sent or received. Now, it offers more and more utilities.
Operators were the only ones who sent texts to customers’ data about their service terms. Also, Nokia was the forerunner who developed its text messaging system as it is known today.
These early phones were useful. They were used to call or answer calls and send non-satellite text messages. Some seniors have learned to send messages with these types of phones. The messages were in groups, divided into three or four items, on each number key.
Older adults and their relationship with cell phones
Later, on January 19, 1999, Blackberry transformed the market with BlackBerry 850 launch. The younger generations did not know these cell phones with a physical Qwerty keyboard widely used in phones for seniors.
Today, the touch screen prevails among applications and so many utilities to improve the user experience through comfort, agility, and fast activities management. However, these can be unfriendly to senior people. In almost all cases, it would represent a big difficulty to adapt it.
Most older adults only use their cell phones to make and receive calls. Hence, telephones for seniors are designed to facilitate visibility and accessibility as required. They feature easy handling with slightly larger-than-average keyboards and numbers.
How are the telephones for seniors today
When cell phones were launched on the market, they had the same features as landline dial phones. Gradually, they were modified by models with buttons, and then it was replaced by touch screens.
Feature phones retain the previous shape of cell phones. It almost comes with button-based inputs and a small non-touch screen.
It generally includes an embedded operating system with a basic and simple graphical user interface. This is what distinguishes them from more complex mobile operating systems like Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS.
Its features are limited compared to smartphones. They usually don’t have GPS, a touch screen, or tools like Bluetooth. But some models have a flashlight that could be led.
5 phone options for seniors
These are 5 options for you, who have this little technology affinity but want to be in constant contact and communication. They are specially designed to facilitate your world’s accessibility.
Funker E400I Comfort Pro
It is a mobile with an Android version in a highly personalized clamshell mobile format. It has GPS, and WhatsApp and has an audio amplifier system for people with hearing problems. One of the ideal models of phones for senior people.
It can be charged meanwhile remaining visible thanks to a secondary screen. You can call and send messages to your emergency contacts configured, so you do not need an emergency button.
SPC Jasper
For older adults, it comes in a clamshell format as old days. It has big keys like 4G connectivity, a simple charging dock, and a basic menu. It has WhatsApp and other simple apps like Facebook in its KaiOS version.
TTfone TT240
It is a small mobile of 123 x 23 x 12 mm with predictive keys and a 2.4-inch screen. It is very appropriate for older adults who do not like clamshell phones or large screens. KaiOS operating system brings WhatsApp, Facebook, and a button to open a voice assistant.
It does not have an emergency button or a charging base, it is sold without a charger. For this reason, this option is most appropriate for older adults who know how applications and operation works based on the latest models. It has an Android operating base.
Alcatel 3088X 4G
It is remarkably similar to the previous one, but its keys are larger. It is manufactured under the Alcatel license. It includes a KaiOS operating system and provides other applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, and Google Maps. It is sturdy and easily accessible.
Nokia 8000 4G
It is the Nokia mobile of a lifetime. Updated to the KaiOS operating system that allows you to use WhatsApp, Google Maps, and many other apps. All of them are available in its store.
It is not a mobile specially adapted for seniors. Its keys and screen are not exceptionally large, but it is useful for people who do not have vision problems and are familiar with Nokia classics.
Other models
This list is not exclusive. We don’t include models available for seniors only. The Samsung Galaxy A03s may be appropriate. Xiaomi phones are also especially useful. However, due MIUI model’s complexity, they are more difficult to operate than those presented by Android.
The Funker E500l Easy is a phone for seniors but in a modern “package”. It has physical navigation buttons. This model is a fusion between a smartphone and a feature phone.
To sum up
In our days’ technological development and the need to be in instant contact has prevailed. In this way, there are many older adults who try and work hard to adapt to modern technologies. And they strive to learn how to use instant messaging services, social media apps, and more complex apps.
We invite you to review the previous list and make your best decision when choosing a phone model for seniors exclusively. You must keep in mind that this list does not obey any pre-established order
