According to ConsumerAdvocate.org, only 42% of consumers in the U.S. over 65 years of age own a smartphone. This number drops to 17% when only those over 80 years of age are considered. These numbers raise an interesting question: why are older consumers so hesitant to buy smartphones?

As an “older consumer”, I am well-qualified to answer that question.  Simply put, technology is changing so swiftly,  it’s impossible to keep up.  I long for the days of rotary dial telephones with cords long enough to wrap around the kitchen island twice.   Human operators at the other end of the line were a nice touch too.  Graduating to a cordless digital phone with an answering machine was a big enough step for me.  And then they introduced the dreaded cell phone.

My first cell phone was attached to my hip and paid for by my employer so that I could be on call twenty four hours a day.  The phone was easy enough to use as there were no bells and whistles.   Eventually I was given something called a Blackberry, making my simple cell phone obsolete.  The Blackberry was frightfully efficient.  Now my employer could look at my calendar and schedule a meeting with a simple tap of the keys.  If I couldn’t pick up a call, my employer (or my kids) would simply text me.  Thus began my constant battle with technology changing with every heartbeat.  While my younger colleagues loved all the upgrades and new frills and features, I felt overwhelmed and in a constant state of confusion!

Eliminate the Confusion and Shop for a User Friendly Phone

Confusion! That’s why only 17% of seniors over 80 have cell phones.  To make matters worse, the little tiny keys, screens, icons, etc. make for a very frustrating learning experience.  In this day and age, adult children want to check in with aging parents.  Heaven forbid their parents have a life outside of their home or apartment.  Today there is no excuse for not answering your phone.  So, what is the best solution for our aging population when it comes to being able to easily learn how to operate cell phones and smartphones.

Jitterbug Smart 2 Smartphone for Seniors

Across the board, Jitterbug Smart 2 Smartphone for Seniors is rated best overall.  The phone’s 5.5-inch screen makes everything easy to read, and the simple menu has large buttons for basic functions like making phone calls, accessing the phone’s camera, and sending emails. The Smart2 also has a voice typing feature that makes texting simpler. All users have to do is press a button and speak their text message instead of having to type it out. Additionally, this phone offers 5Star service as a safety precaution — with a press of a button on the phone’s home screen, users can access immediate emergency assistance. The phone is also hearing-aid compatible and comes with the GreatCall Link app that updates family members about your health and safety.

Jitterbug Flip Cell

Jitterbug Flip Cell phone sited for its ease of use has basic information such as incoming call notifications and date and time. Inside the device, you’ll find a bright display that enhances readability. The text is large and easy to read and there’s a simple, organized menu that’s navigated through the directional arrows alongside “yes” and “no” selection buttons.

Like the Jitterbug Smart 2,  the 5Star service ensures plenty of peace of mind.    The included GreatCall Link app assists family with staying up-to-update with your health and safety while not intruding on your independence.

Nokia 3310

Noted for best value Nokia 3310 strips away the bells and whistles and leaves only the things you really need.  The aluminum frame looks good but also helps with cell reception, and the plastic back is comfortable to hold and use.   The 5.2-inch screen is compact but still large enough that font size can be increased and icons clearly seen. A rear 13-megapixel camera captures good photos for the price and there’s a front-facing camera for video chat.  As an Android One device, (go to https://www.techradar.com/news/what-is-android-one), there’s the promise of regular security updates. That gives the Nokia at least two promised years of lifespan, which is good news for seniors who may not be inclined to upgrade their phones as frequently.

Click on the links below for more information.

https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/358549/the-best-phones-for-seniors

https://www.consumersadvocate.org/cell-phones-for-seniors

https://www.lifewire.com/best-cell-phones-for-senior-citizens-4125595

Photo Credits:

123rf.com

For more blogs by Virginia Tortorici, click here.