Today's
cell phones take pictures, play games, and let you surf the Web. But
the phones have tiny buttons and hard-to-read screens, not very
user-friendly for older people. And this generation is not likely to
use all the minutes and data traffic allotted in a monthly plan.
Fortunately,
there are phones and plans geared specifically to the elderly. You have
to look for them, because most aren't available in cell stores. So,
here are some products aimed at older folks:
1. Jitterbug.
The Jitterbug is a series of easy-to-use phones. The Jitterbug One Touch ($150) has three large buttons that instantly connect to an operator, a pre-programmed phone number or 9-1-1. The Jitterbug Dial ($150) has a numeric keypad like a normal cell phone. But it arrives with 15 pre-programmed phone numbers of your choosing.
Service plans range from $10 per month for 9-1-1 service only to $40 per month for 200 anytime minutes. Additional minutes cost 25 cents per minute. Discounts are given if you prepay for a year's service.
Jitterbug is currently available only in test markets. But it plans to go nationwide this fall.
2. Consumer Cellular.
Consumer Cellular is a nationwide service that has no service contracts and low monthly calling plans. It is not a cellular network. Instead, it buys time from national networks.
Plans range from $10 per month (all calls cost 25 cents per minute) to $60 per month for 1,600 anytime minutes. Although Consumer Cellular markets to seniors, its phones aren't especially senior friendly. Check its Web site to ensure there is service in your area.
3. Phones for Life.
Phones for Life is a non-profit that provides free cell phones to senior citizens and the disabled. The senior-friendly phones are to be used in emergencies only.
There are two types of services available. One service will only connect to 9-1-1. The other service comes preloaded with 100 unlimited anytime minutes. Phones for Life will pre-program the phone with up to five personal numbers. The cell phone is assigned a phone number, so calls can be received, too.
4. Child's Play.
There are phones that you probably wouldn't consider for the senior crowd. But the LG Migo and Firefly phones could be just what the doctor ordered.
The LG Migo is offered through Verizon Wireless. The simplistic phone has five programmable keys - four for phone numbers and one designated for emergencies - and not much else. It doesn't have voice mail or text message capabilities. But it does have GPS, so the phone (and the user) can be easily found.
The LG Migo costs $100 for a two-year contract and half that for a one-year contract. Calling plans start at $40 per month.
Firefly is another easy-to-use phone. It has two buttons for dedicated phone numbers. But it also has a button for an address book. The address book can hold up to 20 phone numbers.
The phone costs $100 through Firefly Mobile. There is no service contract. Minutes have to be prepaid at a rate of 25 cents per minute. Firefly is also sold through Cingular. The phone is free with a two-year service contract. Cingular's calling plans start at $40 per month.
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