Mobile Phones and Seniors
Mobile phones and gadgets are now getting packed with new cool features and twists that you can practically do almost anything with it. More features the more complicated it gets specially for seniors who most of the time prefer having just the basic functionality.
My father won’t have anything to do with mobile phones though he has a mobile phone he doesn’t even bother learning how to use it. When he needs to make a call or send a text message, he’d call other people to do it for him. He says he can’t be bothered learning those complicated buttons and besides the keypads are darn so small and he could hardly see it.
My mom is a bit more receptive to new technology and takes time to learn (and I really mean time – took her about a month to learn how to use a Nokia 3310). And when the phone won’t work anymore coz she dropped it sometime she had quite a dilemma if she’s going to replace it or not.
I’ve been surfing a bit awhile ago and to my surprise there are still phone designers and manufacturers who came up with mobile phones with older people in mind. A lot of seniors have deteriorated visions, some are forgetful and have memory lapses, some also have hearing problems, and some just would want a simple and basic functioning mobile phone. Check out these phones for seniors:
SENS by Takumi Yoshida
The “Sens” phone by designer Takumi Yoshida targets this elderly crowd, and those with vision problems. Sens sports tactile keys that are easily distinguishable, even by the blind. The nearly blind will benefit from the lighted sides that help convey different alert messages.
EMC (EASY MOIBILE CALLING) by Matthias Pinkert
The EMC (easy mobile calling) phone by designer Matthias Pinkert is targeted at growing baby boomer demographic. As they age, designers are trying to come up with products and designs to keep them up to date with technology while still taking their age into consideration.
The EMC phone features four large keys for direct one-touch calling, and an emergency key. An integrated GPS tracking system comes in handy to locate the senior owner in case they get lost or are not able to pick up the phone. EMC also comes with a lanyard to wrap around one’s neck as to avoid losing or forgetting the phone behind.
I know this is not so awesome if you compare it to new phones in the market right now but this phone adapts to the needs and lifestyle of the elderly. Makes you feel more at ease if you know you can easily communicate with them when they are out..
CLARITYLIFE
Clarity, a company that makes stuff so older people can communicate better, introduced the ClarityLife, a new easier to use cell phone. It’s a simple phone with a large display and prominent buttons. Sound is amplified, and it features a one button emergency response feature.
THE FIT PHONE by Jongmu Lee
Designed by Jongmu Lee, this cell phone was conceived with the 65+ demographic in mind. User-friendly but still technologically advanced, the Fit features a central movable scroll which enables the user to move up and down the menu with ease, reduce or increase the size of the number pad and use image-enabled speed dial simply by tapping on the image. The Fit mobile’s attractive and hip interface and features is sure to attract not only the 65+ crowd but a younger demographic as well.
LIFE PHONE
Targeting the 50+ crowd who may not want a complicated piece of technology, the Life Phone doesn’t have an MP3 player or camera but it does have an extra loud ringer and easy to read screen that should should be a hit with baby boomers.
Specifications Network: GSM/CDMA Size: 112 x 55 x 26 mm Weight: 155g Battery Life 200 hours standby time 180 minutes talk time Display: 2.7″ (128 x 160) FSTN Monochrome Messaging SMS Vibration alarm, alarm clock, birthday reminders, hearing aid compatible, speakerphone.
EASY5
It’s like a phone, only without all the confusing buttons. The MS2000 is a simple mobile phone with 5 speed dial keys and no numbers, which makes it easy to use. I guess it’s meant to be used as a security device, unless you are trying to actively limit the number of people your grandparents call down to 5.
Now I just wish they have this here in the Philippines. My folks would love this, I’m sure..
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Another good cell phone for seniors is from GreatCall Inc. (Jitterbug) I follow venture capital fundings and Jitterbug Received Funding for cell phones for seniors. They have two types, bigger easier to use buttons and one with only three buttons (emergency, customizable and operator). Operator assistance is 24 hour, they will even make phone calls for you.
Brians last blog post..Jitterbug Received $38 Million for Cell Phones & Service
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