Mobile phones have proved to be a boon for senior citizens, especially those who live by themselves or are in care homes. No less than companions, they have become an important tool for them to keep in touch with their loved ones and access a variety of services.
Benefits of senior-friendly smart devices
Senior-friendly devices are characterized by features that make it easier for the elderly to use the latest communication and entertainment options. Here are some of the benefits of opting for smart devices and plans for this category of users:
- Health and safety features
Several senior-friendly smartphones and tablets come with in-built features and plans that help them connect with emergency care providers without any lag in connectivity. Usually, the phones will have a dedicated button for accessing these services. This can quite certainly be a lifesaver for those who are living alone or in care homes.
- Better readability with large screens
A common feature in all phones designed for the old is that they have large screens for better viewing while typing and reading anything. Some phones even come with a magnifying feature to zoom into the content on the screen.
- Better audio
Senior-friendly phones also have an enhanced audio system. The speakers are louder and have more clarity to aid those with hearing difficulties.
- Memory aids
These phones serve as excellent memory aids for various purposes: from managing medications to setting up reminders about appointments and bill payments. There are in-built, downloadable applications that fulfill these requirements, helping especially those who are forgetful.
- Voice-based features
More often than not, phone plans for seniors have features that allow them to use the device with their voice. Voice commands make it easier for those with issues in motor skills to use the phone. With this, users can also send texts to their loved ones using the voice-to-text feature, which is quite prevalent in senior-friendly phones. The feature works especially well for those who are not adept at typing on the phone for various reasons.
Top senior data plans
T-Mobile
T-Mobile has three unlimited plans for those over the age of 55 years. Each of the plans comes with an array of benefits along with unlimited data.
- The best-price unlimited plan
This plan costs $27.50 for a single line and $55 for two, with additional taxes and fees. Senior users can avail of unlimited talk time, texts, and data on the T-Mobile network with this plan on any smartphone. One of the best features of this plan is that it is inclusive of international texting services as well.
Another feature that makes it one of the most hassle-free senior data plans is that it does not involve any annual service contracts and has dedicated customer service available. It also offers SD streaming services and 2G data while travelling in Mexico and Canada.
- The signature unlimited plan
The signature unlimited plan is one of the best senior data plans for those who travel out of the country often. This comes at $35, taxes and fees included, for a single line per month and offers unlimited talk, text, and data for smartphones. What makes it ideal while traveling outside the US is the availability of unlimited 2G data and texting services in over 200 countries. The plan comes with 5GB of 4G data, which can be utilized while in Mexico and Canada.
This plan, too, comes without the pressure of annual service contracts and users can avail of a number of free gifts every week.
- The premium unlimited plan
This is one of the best senior data plans from T-Mobile and also costs the highest per line. Priced at $45, including fees and taxes, it offers the same unlimited call, data, and texting services as the other plans, but can be the chosen deal for travelers. Seniors using this plan can get double the data speed while abroad.
Among all the senior data plans offered by T-Mobile, this is the only one to have HD streaming. Additionally, users of this plan also get 20GB of 4G LTE hotspot data. And that’s not it: users also get a free subscription for Netflix and Quibi for a year. The voicemail-to-text feature is also a part of this plan, which is excellent for seniors who find typing difficult.
Verizon
Verizon offers a special plan for seniors who are above 55 years of age. It is priced at $60 a month for a single line and $80 a month for two lines. The latter can be an excellent choice for those looking for two lines at a slashed price. These rates are not inclusive of taxes and additional fees. It is also important to note that these offers are only valid with auto-pay.
Under this plan, Verizon offers unlimited talk, text, and 4G LTE data. The plan also supports unlimited mobile data hotspot with a speed of 600 kbps. The call, texting, and data services can be used while in Canada and Mexico as well.
Sprint
Sprint’s Unlimited55 plan for the elderly comprises unlimited data, talk time, and texts for $50 per month, per line. The data plan is applicable for use in the US as well as in 200+ international locations. With the Unlimited55 plan, users can stream DVD-quality videos and also keep all their devices connected with limitless hotspot. Users can opt out of auto-pay with this one.
GreatCall
The data plans offered by GreatCall are for use on their senior-friendly phones and devices. These plans can be opted for with a health and safety package, which includes features such as dedicated emergency response services and brain games, among others. The brand offers many packages, some of which are: the basic plan costing $19.99, the preferred plan costing $29.99, and the ultimate plan, which costs $39.99. There is a range of data plans that can be chosen along with these packages. The cheapest one is the monthly data plan that costs $2.49 for 100 MB; and the most expensive one is the $15-a-month plan for 2.5 GB of data. Additionally, there are two more senior data plans on offer: a $5-plan for 250 MB of monthly data and a $10-plan for 1 GB of data per month.
Mobile phones for the elderly
Different phones cater to different requirements across customer segments. And the segment comprising seniors requires a set of specific features. There are some useful devices in the market that have been designed specifically keeping in mind the elderly and their oft-low tech-savviness. Here are some of the best devices that are available for seniors:
Phones by GreatCall
GreatCall offers two phones and phone plans for the aged. These are designed to make communication easier and more accessible. Let’s dive into the details:
- Jitterbug Smart2
Priced at $149.99, this comes with a simplified menu and is excellent for those who have just started using a phone. It features a large screen and has some of the best health and safety applications for perusal. The manufacturer claims to offer a long-lasting battery and the phone also boasts features such as voice-to-text typing and front-facing speakers for clarity while speaking. The company understands that there is a higher need for health and safety services with this user group and therefore, has the 5Star Urgent Response button that keeps the user connected to emergency responders around the clock. It also has the GreatCall Link, which keeps close ones of the user updated on their activities and location, and also sends them an alert if the 5Star response button has been used. However, this feature is available only with Jitterbug plans costing $24.99 and upwards.
These devices also come with games to exercise the brain, which are common to all plans. One can choose from a diverse range of plans depending on their text, talk, and data needs. These plans save you the hassle of long-term contracts and do not charge cancellation fees either.
- Jitterbug Flip
The Jitterbug Flip is a stylish and compact flip phone that comes with large buttons for easy use for the elderly. The screen is designed to be brighter for weakened vision and is complete with a backlit keypad. With clear and loud speakers for easy, hands-free operations, the phone is priced at $99.99. One of the many senior-friendly features of the phone is the magnifier—which also features a flashlight—that makes reading important instructions on labels easier.
Keeping in mind the safety needs of old people, Jitterbug Flip, too, comes with the 5Star response button, Urgent Care, and GreatCall Link features. The Urgent Care service helps users to get connected to certified medical professionals at any time and place.
The GrandPad tablet
The GrandPad tablet is an easy-to-use device that helps seniors keep in touch with their loved ones and use the internet with ease. The device does not require Wi-Fi connectivity to make voice or video calls. It requires a monthly subscription, and is packed with a variety of features. The entertainment needs of the user are looked after as well, what with a variety of games that are fun as well as constructively challenging. Additionally, the tablet can also be used for streaming music and reading articles. It has an in-built dictionary and encyclopedia, which are excellent sources for those wanting to expand their vocabulary and knowledge. The monthly subscription also means that families and close ones can create a network that enables members to update contact information, share photos, and much more.
The tablet also features a built-in LTE connection that can be used seamlessly, i.e. without any other hardware requirement or complex, confusing set-ups. The device comes with insurance, which guarantees a replacement in case of any harm or damage. GrandPad is powered by Consumer Cellular, which offers a range of senior data plans you can choose from.
Tips for buying phones and data plans for the elderly
Buying a phone and choosing a service provider depends on the specific needs and expectations of an individual. However, here’s a little guide to help you with the fundamentals:
- Coverage
Phones become an important tool for the elderly to combat loneliness and stay connected to their loved ones who may be away from them. A phone plan without decent coverage can hamper communication and entertainment to a great degree. Always look for a service provider that offers decent coverage in the area where the concerned individual lives. Most phone carriers have a coverage map on their website, which you can refer to, to decide whether a particular plan is useful.
- Costing
It is always ideal to choose a phone and a carrier that covers all the basic calling, texting, entertainment, and internet features. Much of the said demographic does not need bells and whistles when it comes to mobile phones, so it is advisable to look for a plan that has all the standard features in place. Furthermore, buyers can also look out for specific discounts related to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) on phones and phone plans.
- Customer service
Owing to the fact that a sizable fraction of the elderly may not possess technological know-hows, it is in their interest to go for a phone and carrier that have a dedicated and reliable team of customer service experts who can effectively help them with any query or issue that they may have.
In addition to being convenient tools to stay connected to others, phones have also become essential in ensuring safety, good health and companionship to those in their autumn years, thanks to a multitude of applications, games and platforms. Many of these applications require the internet, and the data plans discussed above—with some of them being customizable to ensure that specific needs are met—can have you covered.
The groundwork has been laid. Conduct additional research and make an informed buying decision!
