There are tremendous opportunities to really expand the benefits of cell phones for seniors. According to the AARP, people age 50 and older are as likely as younger people to have cell phones while most people age 65 and older buy them for security in an emergency.
Targeting older consumers, Samsung has developed the Jitterbug cell phone for seniors, a simple mobile phone with larger buttons, easy-to-read text, a comfortable shape and better sound quality.
Regular cell phones are just fine for younger seniors. However, in general, larger keypads and display screens are more desireable on cell phones for seniors. Select phones offer these ergonomic features.
For example, in "Simple Mode," many Vodafone handsets offer zoom options that enlarge the display screen characters for better visibility. Voice command features, available on most cell phones, can also be adapted for special needs of older consumers.
Cell phones for seniors and children generally have a good bit in common, especially in features related to large keypads, large screens and large fonts. Case in point - the LG VX1000, also known as the LG Migo, has features that would work well for both mobile phone beginners and the elderly. The LG Migo - unlike the Wherifone - lacks a GPS feature.
The phone allows consumers worldwide to pinpoint the exact location of the device with a few Internet keystrokes or simply by placing a phone call. It also provides the ability to speak with a live personal assistant anytime, anywhere with the press of just one button.
Now on several cell phone models, the GPS (global positioning system) location tracking feature is an area of opportunity, including cell phones for seniors.
The potential is significant for helping find lost or disoriented seniors via GPS coordinates transmitted by their cell phones.
Significantly expanding the security and convenience of cell phones for seniors through GPS-based technology, the Wherifone GPS Locator Phone by Wherify Wireless helps pinpoint the location of the person carrying the phone right down to within a few feet.
The Wherifone GPS Locator Phone lets you see a road map as well as an aerial photo of the location of your loved one who is carrying the phone. Help can be summoned by the phone user with the push of a button.
It comes in five colors - blue, purple, black, pink and silver. With five programmable buttons and a two-way speakerphone, the lightweight GPS Wherifone is also ideal as a cell phone for children.
There is yet another mobile phone for juniors that could also be used as cell phones for seniors. It's the LG Migo or LG VX1000, but does not have GPS.
Cost is always a concern, especially for retired seniors with no disposable income. Throughout the U.S., many state agencies and local community charities have programs that offer refurbished or recycled cell phones for seniors. Also consider prepaid cell phone plans.
Efforts to design phones for the elderly and aging continue especially in Asia and Europe. The solutions range from full-blown cell phones to emergency mobile phones.
In Taiwan, Guidetek Technology of China's i-Care S-series mobile phone designed for the elderly is a follow-on to its K3300 for kids. Like most cell phones for seniors, the S-series model emphasizes simplicity. It allows for speed-dialing, including preprogrammed emergency numbers, and provides one-way communication for remote monitoring.
For the Korean market, LG Electronics has the NS1000, a lightweight cell phone targeting the elderly. It makes regular phone calls, sends text messages and has extra-large keys. This cell phone is not to be confused with another product with a similar name - that would be the NS1000 Back To Basics Nutri Source Juicer.
Austria-based Emporia Telecom is taking the complexity out of mobile phones for seniors with its EmporiaLife product. It emphasizes big buttons, large screen with large type and a simple menu for the hearing-aid compatible phone.
Two noteworthy EmporiaLife features - the ability to manage the device's phonebook via SMS text messaging and the automatic switch to voice command mode once a phone connection is made. Look for this simple phone to expand well beyond its current Austrian and German market base.
Swiss mobile operator, Orange, markets a three-button phone capable of answering calls automatically and includes a loudspeaker.
In Australia, Benefon's Seraph is a three-button phone for direct-dialing predefined numbers.
Vitaphone, in Germany, offers a three-button phone called Click Senior-Tel.
.
