Cell Phones for Seniors

ClarityLife Cell Phone for Seniors Now Available

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:07:00 +0000

Here's an important cell phone for seniors update. Clarity has announced this month that the ClarityLife cell phone for seniors is now available for senior users.

I have blogged about the ClarityLife cell phone for senior citizens before and you may see my ClarityLife Cell Phone for Seniorspsot here. However, at the time of that post the handset was not yet being offered in the US. This mobile device for the elderly is designed specifically to answer the needs of senior users.

The ClarityLife cell phone for seniors is being described as an "Amplified mobile phone." This means that the ClarityLife cell phone for seniors offers 20 decibels of amplification for senior users who have less than perfect hearing. This also means that this handset for the elderly is Hearing Aid Compatible.

Elederly users will appreciate the ClarityLife cell phone for senior citizens because its design is based on simplicity and user-friendliness. This entails that seniors users only need to press a minimal number of buttons to complete a call or send a text message. Senior users can easily learn how to operate the simple and easy to use this mobile phone for the elderly.

Let me illustrate the simplicity of using this cell phone for seniors. Users can easily place and receive calls with the ClarityLife cell phone for seniors using four large buttons. They can also receive immediate assistance in case of an emergency by pressing the red emergency button.

The ClarityLife cell phone for seniors is designed to cater to the special needs of the elderly. This cell phone for seniors have large buttons for easy dialing and a large backlit screen and large text size. The ClarityLife cell phone for senior users also offers a Flashing Visual Ringer, Strong Vibrating Ringer and a Built-in Flashlight.

Senior users can get the ClarityLife cell phone for seniors unlocked directly from Clarity for a retail price of $270. However, the the ClarityLife cell phone for senior users can only be used in GSM networks.

Tune in to this blog for more mobile phone for senior citizens and related news and updates.

The Easy-to-Use Nokia 2366i

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:35:00 +0000

Here's another mobile phone that has a potential to be useful for senior users. Let's take a look at the Nokia 2366i, a CDMA simple phone with good call quality.

Let's look at the design and hardware of the Noklia 2366i. The hardware and design is a major factor in judging a phone as suitable for senior citizens. The Nokia 2366i has a simple slider design with an external antenna. Some seniors might have a problem with a clamshell design because of the need to open the phone every time they use it . But the Nokia 2366i has good size at 3.2 by 1.69 by 0.94 inches and a sturdy hinge so it can still be a good handset for the elderly.

This mobile phone for seniors has two displays. The smaller external display shows the basic info such as the time and the battery life. The main display of the Nokia 2366i is a good size at 1.75-inch and with 65,536 colors. It would have been great if it had been bigger but its not too small for senior users. Most of the elderly have weak eyesight so a big display with big font is an ideal characteristic for a cell phone for seniors.

Let's proceed with the key, another important consideration when choosing a mobile phopne for seniors. The Nokia 2366i's keys and controls are all flat with the surface of the phone which would normally not be good for senior users, However, they are are large enough to allow seniors to easily fins the keys they need to dial a number or compose a text message. The keypads also have bright backlighting which would help users with poor vision.

Let's check out this cellphone for seniors software and features. This handset is a CDMA device since it is offered by Verizon Wireless. This mobile phone is suitable for senior citizens because of it's simple and user-friendly menu and user interface. It doesn't require a lot to make it work and it's basically a phone for making calls. It doesn't have a complicated menu and feature set that would confuse senior users.

This Nokia phone also offers a speaker which is a very useful feature for elderly users. The speakerphone is a useful mobile phone feature for users with impaired hearing because it helps with hearing aid compatibility. However, some reviewers commented that the speakerphone Nokia 2366i wasn't excellent but is serviceable considering its caliber.

The basic features found on the 2366i include Bluetooth 2.0, FM radio, voice dialing, text messaging and speakerphone. This cellphone for seniors also offer vibrate mode, a speakerphone, an alarm clock, a calendar, a notepad, a to-do list, a calculator, a timer, and a stopwatch.

There you have it. Another mobile phone that is suitable for seniors. Tune in to this blog for more phones and information.

The Simple and Affordable Motorola MOTOFONE F3

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:41:00 +0000

Here's a new mobile phone for seniors. This time it's a slim cellphone called the Motorola MOTOFONE F3. Let's explore the details of this cellphone for the elderly.

The Motorola MOTOFONE F3 was targeted for customers in developing countries so it was designed to be user friendly. This handset is a great device for making and receiving calls. This is a good phone for seniors because seniors would prefer easy-to-use handsets. They would also benefit from this device because senior citizens mainly use mobile devices for making calls.

This Motorola phone sports a large display that would make it a good cellphone for seniors. The screen measures 34 x 43 mm and is called a ClearVision Display. The F3's display can really help seniors with less than perfect eyesight. It closely resembles the display of calculators and shows large numbers and other characters. The Motorola F3's screen shows black characters on the white background that are easy to read even when the users use the phone in bright sunlight.

Let's looks at this mobile phone for senior's keypad. The Motorola MOTOFONE F3 has a large keypad like other Motorola phones. Seniors will not usually go for handsets with flat keypads because they are difficult to use. However, the F3 has large keys that are divided up by curved rubber lines so seniors can easily distinguish between keys. The are also easy to press so any user will like them whether they are seniors or not.

Since the Motorola F3 is a basic phone, it is generally easy to use. It's a no frills phones that do not carry any complicated features that might befuddle a senior user. A senior would normally prefer to have a simple phone that provides a quick and easy way to make a call or send a message. The Motorola MOTOFONE F3 fits this description.

This cell phone for seniors also have a speakerphone which is a good feature for senior users. . A good speakerphone can allows a user to hold the phone away from a hearing aid to reduce feedback.

Another positive attribute for the F3 is its very affordable price. Its being offered for around $44 to $88 which is a good price. Elderly people seniors would usually prefer to have an affordable handset because they are usually on a fixed income. They do not have the luxury of going over their limited budgets so an affordable cellphone is their best option.

There you have it. Another good phone for seniors. Tune in to this site to get more info on cellphone for seniors.

The Sturdy Sanyo SCP 7000

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:21:00 +0000

Here's another good mobile ohone for seniors, the Sanyo SCP 7000. I made a post on a similar handset, another tough mobile phone called the Sanyo SCP 7050. Let's see if the 7000 is also suitable for elderly users.

The Sanyo SCP 7000 looks similar to other Sanyo basic phones. It has a large speaker grille on it front face and a rectangular external display. It's not a very attractive phone as far as looks go but aesthetics isn't a priority if your looking for a cell phone for senior citizens.

The external display of this phone measures about 1-inch and is in monochrome since it's a basic phone. The external display offers useful information to the user such as the time, battery life, signal strength, and caller ID.

The Sanyo SCP 7000 has a large main display display that measures 1.8 inches diagonally. this is significant because a large screen is a requirement for a good mobile phone for seniors. It also has adjustable backlighting time and the font size which is good for seniors because it allows them to see the info on the phone better.

Let's move on to the keypad a key component for cellphones for seniors. The Sanyo SCP 700 has large rectangular keypad buttons that are raised slightly above the surface of the phone. This is a good attribute because this makes it easy for the elderly to dial numbers. The 7000's keys also have bright backlighting which helps seniors with weak vision to find the right buttons.

Since the Sanyo SCP 7000 is a basic phone, its quite easy to use. The controls and buttons are easy to use and simple. it also has a dedicated button to the speakerphone. This is a good quality that seniors can use. They don't need a complicated device that can do it all. The 7000 offers simplicity and ease of use.

The call quality on the Sanyo Scp 7000 is great and its speakerphone have remarkable clarity as long as the volume is not turned up to the maximum. This are great attributed for a cell phone for senior citizens. Good call quality means calls are clear and loud and a good speakerphone can allows a user to hold the phone away from a hearing aid to reduce feedback

This phone is also affordable which is a good thing for seniors who want to get this phone. The elderly normally have a fixed income and do not have the luxury of going over their budgets so an affordable cellphone like the Sanyo SCP 7000 would be a good choice for them.

There you have it. Another good mobile phone for seniors. Tune in to this blog to know more about mobile phone services and cell phones for senior citizens.

The Characteristics of a Good Cell Phone for Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:29:00 +0000

After posting a number on posts on handsets that are suitable for seniors, I thought that it would be helpful to make a post dedicated to the characteristics or attributes found on a mobile phone for seniors.

Here's a list of attributes that makes a handset a good cellphone for the elderly.

Affordability - since seniors are usually on a fixed income and do not have the luxury of going over their budgets, an affordable cellphone would be a good choice for them. There's no need to spend a ton of bucks ona smartphone that can do a lot of things because they would not be able to use them anyway. A cell phone for serniors should be affordable but reliable.

Large Keypad- raised, separated number keys and a large keypad are always best for seniors. A good mobile phone for seniors should offer a keypad that makes it easy for seniors to press the keys and distinguish one from another.

Loud Speakerphone- seniors will appreciate a handset with a loud speakerphone because they can be a solution to hearing aid incompatibility. The Speaker phone allows a user to hold the phone away from a hearing aid to reduce feedback and improve the call quality.

Bright and Large Display - good mobile phones for seniors should have a large brightly lit display with large text because vision tends to decline with age. Handsets that have large brightly lit screens with

User Friendliness- Although today's seniors are familiar with modern technology, they may not consider the need to access email or the internet from their cell phone a priority. They need a handset for emergency purposes and to simply communicate with friends and family. A simple handset will make asking for aid quicker and more efficient. A device that seniors can customize for convenience and ease of use is suitable for the elderly.

Well, these are the basic attributes of great mobile phones for senior citizens. Users can look for them or use them as guides when they are looking for a cellphone for senior citizens. Of course, phones that are suitable for the elderly may not have all of these attributes but they should have at least three of them to be judged as appropriate for seniors.

I also thought it would be helpful to list the cellphones for seniors that I have featured on this blog. Click on them if you want o get more info on these devices.

Tune in to this blog for more info on mobile phones for seniors.

Nokia 6133: A Good Looking Cell Phone for Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:16:00 +0000

I've found another device that's suitable for senior citizens. This time it's a cell phone that will cater to users who want a beautiful phone. This handset has been describe by some experts as a "good looking" device.

Normally, mobile phone for seniors are designed for quality and user friendliness rather than fashion. But beauty is a bonus that most people want. After all, no one at any age would want to carry an ugly looking handset. Anyway, let's take a look at the "good looking" Nokia 6133.

The Nokia 6133 is similar to the Nokia 6085, a good mobile phone for seniors that I featured on this blog about three months ago. Both of these phones share many attributes that make them great handsets for the elderly. Let's explore the characteristics that defines the Nokia 6133 as a cell phone for grandparents.

The Nokia 6133 belongs to a series of clamshell Nokia phones that offer an external display. The 6133 offers a 1.5-inch, 128x160-pixel external display that shows the time, battery life, signal strength, and photo or video caller ID. However, it's the internal display that marks the Nokia 6133 as a good cell phone for seniors.

The Nokia 6133's internal display measures at 2.2 inches, 240x320 pixels, and supporting an awe-inspiring 16 million colors. These numbers puts most other comparable mid-tier cell phones to shame. The display is one of the most important factor that makes a good cell phone for senior citizens because seniors usually have poor vision. And the Nokia 6133 offers one the the brightest and best displays in the market.

Senior users can also change the font size so they can make the text and numbers if they have difficulty seeing the information on the screen. The Nokia Series 40 platform is also included in the Nokia 6133's design so users can benefit from the vivid and intuitive menu.

Size wise, is sleek and compact which is good for senior users. A thin phone would not be good for seniors because they are not easily to hold. And this cell phone for seniors is also affordable because it offered $99 with service. This is a good price considering the features that it offers.

The Nokia 6133 mobile phone for seniors also offers a key pad that is good for elderly users. This handsets keys are tactile with large, backlit numerals. These are good attributes because seniors can easily press the keys and the backlight helps users differentiate one key from the rest. There are also skinny silver bars that separate the individual rows of keys which is another good bonus.

This handset also offers a good speaker phone. Speaker phones are a workable solution to hearing aid incompatibility. Users with hearing aids can hold the phone away from the hearing aid to help reduce any feedback. It also has a 1.3 mega pixel camera which seniors can use to take and store images of their friends, children and grand children.

Tune in to this blog for more services and cell phones for seniors.

Mobile Magnifier for Seniors with Weak Vision

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:45:00 +0000

Several posts ago, I blogged about an AT&T service that is aimed towards seniors and persons who have disabilities. These services are offered on mobile phone for seniors and they aim to make handsets more user friendly towards the elderly. I blogged about Mobile Speak a few months ago and I felt that its time to talk about AT&T's Mobile Magnifier.

But before that let me give a quick recap on Mobile Speak. AT&T's Mobile Speak service for seniors is a a powerful full-fledged screen reader with an easy-to-learn command structure, intuitive speech feedback in several languages. This service automatically detects information that the blind user should know, just as a user with sight would easily find highlighted items or key areas of the screen at a glance. You can click here to see my full post on Mobile Speak.

Now let's move on to Mobile Magnifier. Like mobile Speak, this application is designed to help make good mobile phones for seniors. It is is a flexible, full-screen magnification application that supports low and high resolution screens. Mobile Magnifier can be used with or without speech feedback.

As it's name indicates, mobile Magnifier acts like a magnifying glass and enlarges the information a a mobile phone's screen. This magnification software is compatible with a wide range of mobile devices. A mobile phone equipped with this application would be a suitable mobile phone for seniors.

Here are the main features of this cell phone service for seniors:

Magnification levels from 1.25x to 16x
Font-smoothing for easier readability
Three different layouts: full-screen, split and distributed view
Different color schemes, including inverted color
Automatic panning and cursor-tracking
Automatic zoom function that detects areas of interest on the screen

Here are the devices that currently support this service (Additional compatible devices will be available soon):

Nokia N75
Nokia E62
Cingular 3125
Samsung BlackJack (Windows Mobile version 5)
Pantech Duo (Windows Mobile version 6)

I hope that many similar programs and applications will be developed by mobile phone makers and developers. Paul Schroeder, vice president of Programs and Policy, American Foundation for the Blind says that, "There is a real need for more wireless options for Individuals who have vision loss.We value AT&T for its leadership in addressing the needs of this community." Other companies should follow AT&T's lead.

Tune in to to this blog for more mobile phone for seniors news and info.

LG Flare: A Good Phone for Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:33:00 +0000

I found out that I had received a wonderful from a reader who has appreciated the info offered by this blog on cell phone for seniors. After reading that wonderful comment, I felt obliged and inspired to make another post on a suitable mobile phone for old folks.

After spending a several minutes o9n the web, I decided that the LG Flare LX175 will be a good cell phone for senior citizens. Let's break down the elements that make this phone suitable for the elderly.

Despite having a flashy name, the LG Flare is a simple entry-level phone. Not that it's a bad thing. Simplicity is one of the essential elements that make a good handset for the elderly because complicated and flashy features will often confuse them. Even this handset's design is simple or basic and offers an all-black exterior that exudes simplicity.

The LG Flare LX175 is a bit curved on the side which offers a nice feel when the device is being held. The curves also make the Flare easy to grip. Seniors usually have poor grips or weak fingers so the curves are a beneficial attribute.

Lets move on to the displays. Unlike most basic phones, the LG Flare offers two displays, an external display and a bigger internal display. The external display measures 1-inch across and offers information on the standard date, battery, signal-strength and time. On the other hand, the external display that's 1.75-inch across that is big enough to offer a good view to seniors.

Senior users can adjust the font size for the messaging, browser, and notepad applications if they feel that they are too small. The backlight time, the foreground (clock/calendar or a greeting), the menu styles (list or grid) and the incoming call screen can also be changed to make them easier to see. Being able to adjust these features is a key element for any mobile phone for seniors.

The key pad of the LG Flare offers large buttons. However, they are a bit too crowded and are quite close to each other. Many have also observed that , the keys don't have a lot of give and need a bit more push than most even if they are tactile. This is the glaring weak point of the LG Flare when it comes to being a good cell phone for seniors.

Since the LG Flare is a simple or basic phone, it onle offers a limited number of features. It offers a decent-size phone book, text messaging, a speakerphone, a vibrate mode, a notepad, a scheduler, an alarm clock, a tip calculator, a regular calculator, a world clock, a voice memo recorder, notepad, voice dialing and Bluetooth support. The LG Flare do not have to offer a staggering amount of features to be a good phone for seniors because the elderly do not require them.

There you have it. Another good phone for seniors. But before I end this post let me add that the LG Flare LX175 is offered at $29.99, with no contract required. This is a cheap mobile phone for seniors. Tune in to this blog for more ingfo on cell phone for senior citizens.

Pantech Breeze: AT&T's New Cell Phone for Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:53:00 +0000

It seems that the mobile phone for seniors market has become active in the last few weeks. After the Life Phone was recently announced, AT&T launched a handset that is suitable for senior mobile phone users. Let me introduce the Pantech Breeze from AT&T.

There have been a few updates on when AT&T will launch the
Pantech Breeze After a few months of waiting, the carrier has finally released the device and has marketed it as a handset suited for seniors. Let us examine the elements that make this mobile device a good cell phone for the elderly.

The Pantech Breeze is an uncomplicated or basic mobile phone. It has a clean and uncluttered design, simplified menus, over sized display, large keypad and quick-call keys. Clearly, its a useful device for people who want an easy way to stay in touch with friends, loved ones and caregivers. I don't think I need to explain why a simple or basic phone is best for seniors.

AT&T's Pantech Breeze is also part of the carriers "Universal Design" approach. This approach the practice of designing products and applications that are usable by the most customers possible. This means that application developers and handset manufacturers were encouraged to consider the needs of seniors or customers who have disabilities when creating products and services. The Pantech Breeze is an example of a device design with this approach.

Here's a statement from an AT&T representative that would further explain the Universal Design concept that was used in the making of the Pantech Breeze:

"Universal Design helps define important design criteria to meet the wants and needs of as many of our customers as possible. The Pantech Breeze is a result of our efforts to meet these criteria and offer a great-looking phone that's a breeze to use for everyone — from tweens to great-grandparents."

These are the fruits of the Universal Design being applied to the creation of the Pantech Breeze.

Simplified Menu : senior users can easily navigate the phone's features with the simplified "breeze menu," which prioritizes the features that customers want to access most.

1-2-3 Quick-Call Keys : The Breeze has 3 preprogrammable quick-call buttons that are located below the screen. By selecting one of the three quick-call contacts and pressing the send button can easily tart a call.

Easy-to-Use Buttons - When users press the Pantech Breeze's oversized buttons, the buttons respond with a tactile click. The amount of time the keys remain illuminated after use is extended tp benefit seniors with weak eyesight.

Large Font - The menu screens on the device use a highly visible large font for greater visibility. The font of SMS messages is also enlarged to aid weak eyes.

Clear and Loud Speakerphone - the design of the Breeze takes seniors with poor hearing into consideration by offering a large, dedicated button starts and stops speakerphone use.

Audible Keys - mistake-free dialing for those with limited sight is also offered by the Breeze. this is possible through the option to have audio accompany numeric keystrokes.

I guess it should be clear by now that the Pantech Breeze is a mobile phone for seniors. It has the attributes that are design to make communication by mobile phone a breeze for seniors.

The Life Phone Handset for Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Mon, 26 May 2008 14:26:00 +0000

Here's another phone that has been explicitly targeted towards seniors. This handset could be the Jitterbug's biggest rival. Here is the "Life Phone" from Emporia.

The Life Phone is designed for seniors so you can expect it to lose all the flashy features found on most mobile phones today. This mobile phone for seniors is a back-to-basics handset that should prove simpler to use for the technologically challenged senior citizens.

However, some expert say that it would be a good phone for any age. The Life Phone is perfect for those who do not want all the high tech specifications. Personally, I think that the younger generations would prefer other devices. For them it's all about flashy design and features. Anyway, let's get back to the Life Phone.

The main feature for this cell phone for seniors is a built-in, large red emergency button designed for use in emergencies. This button is locted on the back of the Life Phone and can be programmed to call a designated number and send off a pre-written text message in any emergency.

The Life Phone also offers other attributes that makes it a suitable mobile phone for seniors. For instance, the handset has a large screen and larger buttons. The large screen makes it easier for seniors with weak eyes to see information on the screen. As I have often mentioned in this blog, large keys are best for the elderly because pressing them are easier. Emporia's mobile phone for seniors also offer a louder than normal speaker for those who have impaired hearing.

Here are the other features of the Life Phone:

2.7 inch (6.8cm) mono-colour screen
Dualband
Five emergency numbers can be stored
Very loud
Very strong vibration mode

You can also watch this Life Phone video to get a better idea of this handset for seniors. Tune in to this blog for more cell phones for seniors and other services for oldies.

Nokia 6085: another Good Handset for Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:49:00 +0000

I found another cellphone for seniors when I surfed on the web today. This time this handset was manufactured by Nokia a company that has made its mark on the mobile phone industry by offering easy to use handsets. It's not surprising that Nokia phones have the potential to be suited for needs of the elderly.

The phone is the Nokia 6085 and it has many of the attributes that would make it a suitable mobile phone for senior citizens. This mobile phone was design to be release on the mass market and is not an elite or fashion phone. This also means that the Nokia 6085 offers a down to earth or simple design that makes it a good choice for seniors. Let's break down the attributes that makes it a good mobile phone for seniors.

Mobile phone reviewers have noted that this device offers good call quality making it suitable for seniors or any customer. Call quality is an essential attribute for any cell phone for seniors because the elderly use handsets primarily to make phone calls. They don't need phones that offer Mobile TV or other high-end features. They need a device that would help them make clear calls to their friends and family.

The Nokia 6085's 1.8-inch (128x160 pixels) internal display is subpar. The graphics and photos were grainy and the colors were dim. These description does not really help seniors who normally weak eyes. However, the handset makes up for it by offering simple and user friendly menus. No frills and basic menus are ideal for seniors who will have a hard time dealing with sophisticated menus. The fonts on the display can also be altered to help senior users to see the information displayed on the phone.

The navigation array and keypad on the Nokia 6085 are well-designed for use by senior users because they are easy to use. The keys are large and spaced far apart from each other. Seniors who use this phone will have no problem in dialing the number of friends and family or to navigate the menus.

The Nokia 6085 is often categories as a camera phone but its VGA built-in camera is not one of it's strong points. The camera features aren't too extensive and picture quality was strictly average. However, a camera is not a priority in choosing a cellphone for seniors so the 6085 is one of the best choices for senior citizen users. Tune in for more mobile phone seniors in my next posts.

Motorola ic502 Buzz: A Direct Connect Cell Phone for Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:11:00 +0000

I have mentioned in one of my posts that Sprint Nextel's Direct Connect mobile phones are popular with seniors because they need to push one button to connect to family and friends. I decided to take a closer look at one of these Direct Phones, the the Motorola ic502 to see why it's popular with elderly mobile phone customers.

However, before we can explore the phone I thin it would help to have some background knowledge on Sprint Nextel's Direct Connect service. This service allows customers to connect with co-workers, family and friends in under a second. How is this done? Simple, Direct Connect mobile phones allow users to make a call to anyone in the push-to-talk network by pressing a single button.

Now let's proceed with the Motorola ic502 or the Motorola Buzz. This handset is the first CDMA/iDEN hybrid phone. It uses iDEN for walkie-talkie functions and CDMA for voice and data. Let's explore the reasons why the Motorola ic502 is a popular cell phone for seniors.

I think that senior cititzens like this phone primarily of its Direct Connect capability. The Motorola Buzz supports Nextel's Direct Connect walkie-talkie service (including Group Connect, which lets you chat with up to 20 others at once, via PTT). It also has Direct Talk, which allows out-of-network walkie-talkie chat with another Direct Talk handset at a range of up to six miles.

Seniors Appreciate the simplicity that comes with the phone. They can make a call by simply pressing a button. And the best cellphones for seniors are simple or basic phones because they are easy to use. They don't have to go through complicated actions to make calls which is a benefit because seniors do not have the sharpest memories.

The design of the Motorola ic502 Buzz is also a factor that makes it a suitable mobile phone for senior citizens. It feels comfortable in the hand and has rubberized sidings that add some extra durability. More importantly, it has high resistance for dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, low pressure and solar radiation. This means that it can withstand being dropped by the frail fingers of an elderly person.

This Sprint Direct Conjnect mobile phone for seniors also scores points with its navigation buttons and keypad. The Motorola Buzz have large buttons that are tactile and easy to use. It also has keypad buttons that are well-designed for use by the elderly. This handset has large and clearly separate keys. Dialing is easy with this phone because the keys are raised slightly above the surface of the phone. The weak eyes of senior citizens will benefit from backlit keys with large numerals.

It's easy to see why the Motorola ic502 is a popular cell phone for senior citizens. It's design fits the needs of senior users and it offers an easy and simple way to make calls.

Mobile Speak: a Software Designed for Cell Phones for Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:28:00 +0000

In my last post I described AT&T efforts to reach senior cell phone users through mobile phones and services. One of the ways the company reached out to elderly companies was through the adaptation of the Universal Design. This led to the creation of good cell phones for seniors as well as other products and applications that can be beneficial to senior citizens.

One of these products senior-friendly products is called Mobile Speak. I hope to tackle this feature and see how it can help the elderly to use cellphones for seniors and other mobile phone related products.

Mobile Speak is a software designed to enhance the functionality of some of AT&T's most popular wireless devices for users with who are blind or have low vision. This type of softwares will obviously benefit seniors because elderly people have poor vision and some have unfortunately lost them due to sickness or old age.

AT&T's Mobile Speak is a powerful full-fledged screen reader that offers an easy-to-learn command structure. This software also offers intuitive speech feedback in several languages, and Braille support that can be used with or without speech.

This special screen reader for mobile phones for seniors automatically detects information that the blind user should know in a similar way a user with full sight would easily find highlighted items or key areas of the screen at a glance.

Mobile Speak supports these applications and functions:

Speed dial, call lists and contacts
Text messaging
Calendar, tasks, notes, and calculator
Internet browser
Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Voice Recorder, Media Player, voice speed dial and voice command
Phone/device settings, profiles, alarms, and ringtones

These are the curently supported devices which can be good mobile phones for seniors:

Cingular 3125
Nokia N75
Nokia E62
Samsung Blackjack (with Windows Mobile version 5)
Pantech Duo

There is no doubt that this software can enhance any mobile device that is designed for senior citizens. The ability to make it easier for seniors to read information is a key attribute for any cell phone for seniors. I will feature more softwares and services that are meant for seniors in my next posts.

The Expanding Cell Phone Services for Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:02:00 +0000

The potential of senior citizens as a niche for mobile phone services became evident with the release of the Jitterbug cell phone that marketed as a simple device for the elderly. Mobile phone carriers have now launch programs directed towards seniors. These programs have also proven to be valuable not only to the elderly but also to those who have some sort of disability. Let us take a general look at the mobile phone services that are devoted to seniors.

Verizon Wireless is one of the carriers who have expanded on the concept of a cell phone for seniors. The carrier marketed it's own handset for older folks known as the Verizon Coupe or the UTStarcom Coupe 8630. This phone turned out to be popular even though it's a simple handset. It turned out that some consumers were not very interested in modern services like V CAST videos.

The carrier supplemented the Coupe with a wireless plan that is designed explicitly for seniors. Called the Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus offers 200 anytime minutes and 500 nights and weekends minutes for a monthly fee of only thirty dollars. Only seniors with the appropriate a proof of age can get this plan.

Sprint Nextel also made some steps to take advantage of the senior citizen market. However, the carrier opted to take a different approach and do not market to the elderly directly. Instead the carrier targets "basic communicators" and "voice dependents." These consumers are interested in no-frills handsets that are devoted to making calls.

Music downloads, web surfing and other high-end features are not the priority of these users. Sprint's Nextel Direct Connect phones like the Motorola ic502 have proven to be popular to seniors because they need to push one button to connect to family and friends.

Other Sprint phones that are not part of the Nextel Direct Connect like the Samsung M300 and Sanyo Katana II are considered good mobile phones for seniors. These handsets are no frills basic phones with big buttons that are ideal for frail persons.

Unlike Sprint, AT&T has been more aggressive in their campaign to attract senior cell phone users. For instance, the carrier launched the Senior Nation 200 plan which rivals Verizon's Nationwide 65 Plus as the best plan for the elderly. This plan offers similar features and pricing as Verizon's senior plan.

AT&T effort to reach senior cell phone users are not limited to wireless plans. The carrier has also embraced Universal Design. This is the practice of designing products and applications that are usable by the broadest possible range of consumers including the elderly.

This approach produced two senior-friendly products called the Mobile Magnifier and Mobile Speak. These are dessign to be beneficial for both customers with disabilities and senior citizens. Mobile Magnifier is a full-screen magnification application that helps users with poor eyesight while Mobile Speak is a screen reader that helps blind users detect useful information.

These are just some of the programs that have been created to cater to the needs of seniors. I'm sure that carriers will continue to develop devices and programs that will help senior citizens. I will feature this services in my future posts.

A Mobile Phone Plan for Seniors from AT&T

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:39:00 +0000

After featuring wireless phones for seniors in this blog, I felt it's time for a bit of variety. So I decided to post about another mobile phone plan for senior citizens. A few weeks ago, I already posted about Verizon's Nationwide 65 Plus wireless plan for senior citizens. Now I'll blog about AT&T's version.

AT&T launched the Senior Nation 200 plan soon after Verizon released a special plan for the elderly. This was a logical plan for AT&T because allowing Verizon to run a monopoly on the senior wireless plan market might be a mistake. Both of these carriers are on top of the mobile phone service industry so it's not unusual for them to mirror each others programs.

AT&T's Senior Nation 200 Plan is designed to a offer cost-effective solution for seniors who want to stay in touch with friends and family. It offers a special price of $29.99 a month for the elderly. 200 00 Anytime Minutes, 500 Night & Weekend Minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling are included in this special plan.

Like most plans from AT&T, this plan offers no roaming or long distance fees. Elderly consumers will get three-way calling, call forwarding, caller ID, call waiting, and basic voice mail as included features in this plan. Senior customers are required to pay a one time $36.00 activation fee, and may pay an extra $.45 per minute for additional minutes. They also have to agree to a two-year contract commitment and present proof that are 65 years old or older.

Andy Wilson, AT&T's vice president of wireless consumer marketing made this comment regarding this special mobile phone plan, "AT&T provides service plans that focus on customer value, competitive pricing and convenient ways of keeping in touch. A voice package designed specifically for seniors helps make friends and loved ones across the country seem closer."

Compared to Verizon's mobile phone plan for seniors, AT&T's version is pretty much similar. They both offer 200 minutes for the about the same price. The features and benefits are also similar. I guess the choice boils down to the network's reliability or to your preference. Overall, it seems to me that AT&T's Senior Nation 200 plan is a great and benefificial cell phone plan for seniors.

Sanyo SCP 7050: Built Like a Brick

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:14:00 +0000

I've found another candidate for a great cell phone for seniors. The Sanyo SCP 7050 is described as a basic phone that is rugged and durable. Basic phones are usually suitable for elderly persons because they are easy to use and they don't have complex and confusing features. However, the 7050 is more than just a basic phone because it has other attributes that makes it a useful mobile phone for senior citizens. let's explore those characteristics.

The Sanyo SCP 7050 is known as a very durable phone. It has military specs and can reliably resist vibration, dust, and shock. One user described this handset as built like a brick. But why would being so durable benefit seniors? Well, seniors usually have weak hands so they are prone to dropping objects. With its durability and resistance to shock, the 7050 can remain usable even when it has been dropped several times.

One of the factors that makes this device durable is the coating that covers it. The Sanyo 7050 is designed for durability so it is clad in a non-slip, rubberized material. Seniors will be able to grip the phone easily and they will be less apt to drop it. this device can withstand being dropped but it would still be best if it wasn't dropped at all.

The Sanyo SCP 7050 also has a large QVGA display . The 2.0-inch diagonal internal display found on the device is larger than those normally found on basic phones. The display has a resolution 240x320 pixes and can display 265,000 colors, so seniors will be able to read the screen without much difficulty. The phone also features a modern 1.0-inch diagonal monochrome external display that offers information on battery life, caller id and signal strength.

The best cellphones for seniors also features large keys for easy use. The 7050's keys are big enough to be suitable for the elderly. It's navigation and alphanumeric keys have a bubble like texture so seniors can navigate the phone easily and dial numbers by feel. seniors with poor vision will also find the pleasant blue backlight very helpful.

This handset also offers some features like text and picture messaging, voice messaging, voice-activated dialing, e-mail, Bluetooth, a speakerphone, an alarm clock, built-in GPS, and support for Sprint's Ready Link push-to-talk service. It lacks a camera but it also offers games for entertainment.

Sanyo's SCP 7050 has qualities that make it a good cell phone for seniors. However, like all handsets, this device has its share of weakness. For example, I have read several complaints about the speaker phones on this device. A consumer posted that the while on speaker phone the device must be very near the speaker or communication will be very difficult.

I also observed that the Sanyo SCP 7050 is more expensive than most basic cell phones. The durability of the device as well as the modern features probably justify the price. However, the price is an important factor in judging if a device is a suitable mobile phone for seniors. Senior consumers do not usually use their devices a lot and often use them for emergencies so paying a high price for a seldom used device may not be a good idea.

For Emergencies Try the Jitterbug OneTouch

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:09:00 +0000

A cellphone with only three buttons? In this high tech world where phones have qwerty keyboards it can be puzzling to think about a mobile phone with only three buttons. Who would want such a handset?

Well, it might surprise you that a phone with only a few buttons appeal to a certain groups of people. Seniors and disabled persons can benefit from a device that do not have a large number of buttons. The best phones for senior citizens are devices that have large buttons, a bright display, and simple features. Seniors do not require sophisticated features, they want a cell phone that is easy to operate.

The Jitterbug OneTouch is a phone that is specially designed to meet the demands of the elderly and disabled persons. this unique device is manufactured by a new Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) called GreatCall. This network serves elderly people who want to keep in touch with their relatives and friends.

What makes the Jitterbug OneTouch a good cell phone for seniors? Well, there are plenty of reasons. let us begin with the special buttons and keypad. Since this phone is designed for emergencies and seniors, it does not feature the traditional numerical keypad found in most mobile phones.

The Jitterbug keypad has large, backlit buttons that seniors can see without any difficulty. the buttons are easy to press, and users can choose to pre-install their contacts into the device. This mobile phone for seniors also comes with a handy operator service that guides the elderly through the calling process.

This brillianly designed device also have hands free features that make it easier for disabled and the elderly to make a call. The Voice Dial feature allows users to dial contacts or numbers simply by saying the name or number aloud.

Seniors who have less than perfect hearing can benefit from the padded earpiece that keeps unwanted noise out and provides comfort for the elderly who wear a hearing aids. The Jitterbug's volume can be adjusted from low to super-high depending on the hearing capacity of the user. The volume can also be adjusted while the user is are on a call to make conversations go smoothly.

Since no device is perfect, the Jitterbug OneTouch also have some limitations. For instance, Seniors who are looking for more flexibility might find it too limited. The volume rocker could have also been placed in a less awkward position. Some seniors might also find it too bulky and difficult to carry around.

The Jitterbug is a good option if you are interested in cell phones for seniors. It is specially designed for them and has features that makes it valuable in emergencies. It's a simple device that ideal for the elderly and disabled users.

Verizon's Cell Phone Plan for Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:11:00 +0000

I mentioned in my introduction that I won't limit my posts to cell phones for seniors. The information I will offer in this blog will also extend to other mobile phone services for seniors such as plans or accessories.

After posting 3 cellphones for old folks, I felt that a little variety would be good so I decided to blog about plans. I surfed the sites of major wireless carriers and found a plan that matched the theme of this blog. Let me introduce the Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus a mobile phone plan for old folks.

This wireless plan is designed specially for seniors and only the elderly can avail of this offer. Customers have to present a proof of that they are senior citizens because age verification is a requirement for this special plan.

But what makes the Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus a great mobile phone plan for seniors? Well, first there is the special low price. The plan offers 200 anytime minutes for only about thirty bucks per month. You might be surprised that this plan only offers 200 minutes per month but you have to remember that this plan is for seniors. Old folks don't usually make a lot of cell phone calls so 200 hundred minutes are probably enough.

This plan also offers 500 nights and weekends minutes. I think this is a good deal for a plan that cost only thirty bucks per month. More expensive plan offer unlimited Nights and Weekend minutes but senior do not require that amount of minutes. I've already mentioned that oldies do not use mobile phones a lot so this feature will fit their lifestyle.

The Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus also include the cool National IN Calling Minutes. This special offer allow seniors to all any Verizon Wireless customers anytime without using their plan minutes. This means that if a senior's friends and family are all Verizon subscribers then he can make all the calls he or she wants without using the included minutes of this special cell phone plan for seniors.

There is another cool feature that is included in this great wireless plan for old folks. This plan will not charge any long distance fees for domestic long distance calls. This means that seniors can make domestic calls without fear of incurring long distance charges. Seniors will also benefit from basic mobile phone plan features such as 3-Way Calling, Voice Mail and Caller ID from the Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus.

After my lengthy description, I think you'll agree that the Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus is a good option for seniors. It offers all the features that the elderly need for a specially low price. You can visit Verizon's website to get more information on this plan and other services that may be good options for seniors.

The Motorola i760: A Good Choice for Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:58:00 +0000

After spending a few minutes surfing in cyberspace for mobile phones that are suitable for the elderly, I found another candidate. The Motorola i760 is described as a basic phone that has good qualities that makes it a solid cell phone for seniors. Let me discuss the attributes that makes this device a good choice for senior citizens.

When I saw pictures of the Motorola i760, the first thing I noticed was the handset's big display. The size of the display is one of the important elements that can be found in good cell phones for seniors. Old folks usually have poor eyesight so a large display would make reading the information on the device easier. Thus this device offers a display that is suited for the weak eyes of the elderly.

I also read some reviews from customer who have experience with using the phone and I noticed that they were very satisfied with the keypad. The keypad is also a vital element in choosing cellphones for seniors. A device with small buttons that are placed close together will make it difficult for an old person to dial numbers or compose a text message. The Motorola i760 has large buttons which are separated well from each other so senior citizens will have no problem dialing numbers when using the phone.

Users also praised this device because of the high earset volume, and good sound quality. These attributes also make this handset a good choice as a mobile phone for seniors. Our hearing usually degrade when we grow old, so a device that has good volume and sound quality can allow seniors to communicate well with their families.

The Motorola i760 also has features that make it a good choice for seniors. For instance, it supports Push-to-talk (PTT). This technology allows the user to instantly talk to other people owning a PTT phone on the same network. With a simple push of a button, the user can make a call. This eliminates the need for old folks to push several keys in order to make a call.

However, there are also some negative attributes associated with this phone. Those who have used the device complained that it has an unsatisfactory battery life and do not have many of the features that are found in most mobile phones. Nevertheless, the Motorola i760 has several attributes that make it a solid cell phone for seniors.

The Simple but Durable Motorola i335

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:41:00 +0000

If you want to purchase a mobile phone for a senior, then you would probably be looking a simple model. After all, people who are sixty five years and older are not usually concerned with the camera or other fancy features when they need a mobile phones. The best cell phones for seniors are simple and user friendly.

The Motorola i335 is a good cellphone for seniors because it is simple, easy to use and durable. It lacks the high technology features that are trumpeted in the latest handsets, but it makes up for it in many ways. Let me discuss the attributes that makes it a suitable cellphone for seniors.

Let us begin with the design. The Motorola i335 has a practical and simple design. It's in the form of a candy bar and is sturdy enough to withstand beatings. This is a device that can still function even if it has been dropped a few times. This attribute is certainly appropriate for use by seniors. The elderly do not have a lot of strength so they are prone to dropping objects.

This device has been described as durable but that does not mean that it's bulky. Compared to earlier models, this cellphone for seniors is thinner with dimensions of 4.7 inches by 1.8 inches by 0.5 inch. However, it has been criticized for being a bit tall or long. Nevertheless, that does not make it a bad phone for old folks because it makes the device easier to hold.

Let us now move on and discuss the display and keypad of this device. Unfortunately, the Motorola i335 does not have a large display that is suitable for the elderly. The display is only about one and a half inches and the resolution is also low. Fortunately, the text or font size can be changed so that seniors can see the information more clearly.

Seniors will love the keypad of the Motorola i335 because of the rubbery, soft-touch material that coats it. The coating makes the it very tactile and user-friendly which are great attributes in a cell phone for seniors. Old folks will not misdial a number very often with this handset because the buttons have good separation.

Seniors who have weak eyes will also find it easy to dial a number with this cellphone for senior citizens. You see, the Motorola i335 has a bright backlight and the numbers on the keys are large. Your grandparents will have little problem dialing numbers in the dark with this wireless device.

Those are just the great attributes that make this phone very useful for old folks. The Motorola i335 is a simple phone that is user friendly, and durable. I'm sure there are other characteristics that makes it a good cell phone for seniors but I'll leave it to you to discover them. After all, the best way to test a phone is to use it. Tune in to this blog for more mobile phones for old folks.

UTStarcom's Coupe 8630: Specially Designed for Seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:59:00 +0000

When I did some research on the web to find a good cell phone for seniors, I observed that the UTStarcom Coupe 8630 appeared quite frequently. I decided to learn more about this device and I discovered that this phone was specially designed to be used by senior citizens.

What makes this device a suitable cell phone for seniors? For starters, this mobile phone has a large keypad. This means that seniors will find it easy to press the keys and dial numbers. A small keypad will obviously cause a bit of a problem for old folks because it will be more difficult for them to locate the buttons.

The UTStarcom Coupe 8630 is also a good phone for seniors because it also has 3 large programmable emergency buttons plus a 911 button. This means that seniors can easily call for help by pressing a few buttons. There is no need to memorize any numbers and elderly persons can receive immediate aid with the help of this device.

This mobile phone for senior citizens also features a large display and a good speaker phone. The large displays means that seniors can easily read the display. Old folks normally have poor eyesight so a large display is a requirement for any cell phone for seniors. The speaker phone is also useful for seniors who are hard of hearing.

The UTStarcom Coupe 8630 weighs only 3.3 onces which makes it lighter than average mobile phones. Its relatively light weight makes it an ideal cell phone for seniors because the old folks are not advised to carry heavy objects.

Of course, the Coupe also has limitations. Many reviewers made comments that the device is very limited in terms of the wireless data system. It has no Bluetooth capability and picture messaging is absent in this phone. However, these features are not very significant when you look at the UTStarcom Coupe 8630 as a phone for your grand parents.

Overall, this device is suitable for seniors because of its user friendly qualities. The large programmable emergency buttons plus the 911 button are also great features that may prove important for seniors. If you are looking for a wireless phone for the senior memebers of you family, then the UTStarcom Coupe 8630 is one of the best options.

If you are interested top learn more about this phone then click this link. It will give you the specifications and reviews on this device. I hope this post will help you find a good senior mobile phone for your elderly loved ones.

Senior Citizens and Mobile Phones

noreply@blogger.com (Senior Mobile) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:02:00 +0000

A blog about mobile phones for oldies? We usually associate these devices with young people who like to have the latest gadgets, so making a blog devoted to cellphones for senior citizens may not seem sensible. Mobile phones only became very popular in the last several years so we don't usually see them in the hands of older persons.

However, I think publishing a blog about wireless phones for seniors makes sense. One reason for this is that people aged fifty or older are just as likely to have cell phones as younger people. Senior citizens also use these modern devices as a communication tool for security and emergency purposes. Of course, grandparents also rely on cell phones to keep in touch with their friends, relatives, children and grandchildren.

Some mobile phone companies and carriers have also recognized that old folks may also need these devices so they manufacture mobile phones that are designed for seniors. These cellphones usually have large keypads and displays that are suitable for senior citizens.

Let me give you an example. A Japanese mobile phone company designed the Raku-raku (easy-easy) cell phones that are suitable for seniors. These phones can slow down the caller’s voice to make it easier for older adults who are hard of hearing to converse with a caller. These phones also have a specially designed panic button that allows seniors to call for help in emergencies.

There also some mobile phone plans that cater to senior wireless customers. These mobile phone plans offer discounts and features that fit the lifestyle of older customers. However, these special mobile phone plans for old folks require proof of age before any customer can enjoy the benefits they offer.

I'll discuss the details of these devices and mobile phone plans for seniors in my next posts. I think this post will do as an introduction. I hope that this blog can provide useful information on cell phone for seniors.