Everyone needs a mobile phone these days, even seniors. The elderly have specific requirements that need to be taken into consideration such as poor eyesight, bad hearing and aversion to sophisticated technology. An adequate mobile phone for seniors needs to be simple to use and uncomplicated. Furthermore, choosing a phone should not be a daunting and complex prospect. There is a huge demand for smartphones fuelled by an ageing population, and many brands have suitable phones for senior citizens.
Large Screen Size Matters
The phone screen size is the most critical factor to consider. You should choose a screen of at least 5.5 inches, or 6 inches if the budget stretches that far. It should also be easy to hold and carry around. The latest flagship phone models tend to be rather pricey, so going for a model which is a generation or two behind the new one is a much cheaper option and still gives you a large screen. The iPhone 6s Plus and 7 models are great phones for seniors and have large screens and easily accessible features. Prices for these phones are substantially lower than newer models making them affordable to almost everyone. Android models are even cheaper, and as long as the screen is large enough, they provide another alternative.
Which are the best operating systems for seniors?
Seniors should, in fact, opt for iOS or Android phones due to their ease of use and wide availability. The operating systems are straightforward to master and troubleshooting is easier than obscure, unbranded phones. Seniors need an uncomplicated operating system more than the younger generation. Using complex systems is counterproductive, and seniors are averse to change and take longer to learn how to use the technology. Both iOS and Android mobile phones provide excellent accessibility features. They include the ability to read what’s on the screen aloud, dictate texts and many more unique and useful capabilities that seniors would appreciate.
Which phone features will seniors appreciate most?
Besides the screen size and operating system, you will need a few other basic features that seniors would appreciate most. Things like the position of the speaker and whether it lines up comfortably with the ear. Is the volume loud enough? The elderly are notoriously hard of hearing, and the speaker volume has to be loud enough for them to hear correctly. Another question related to this is if the phone is compatible with a hearing aid, seeing as many seniors use them. Furthermore, does the phone have HD capabilities to improve the quality do the sound during a call? Large buttons are crucial as well. Some phones allow the font size to be enlarged making it much easier for seniors to see the letters on the screen while they are typing or reading. Setting the screen resolution can improve the quality of the visuals and brighten the characters making it more convenient to read. Most of all, a mobile phone for seniors needs to provide peace of mind and be easy to use. A camera is useful, and inbuilt functions like a torch also add value and the setup instructions should be uncomplicated. Of course, the price is another factor to consider, yet older phones will do just as well as the latest models, so the cost shouldn’t be prohibitive.
