6 Reasons Why Older Adults Need Cellular Phones + 5 Recommendations

Introduction

So, your parents are getting up there in age? Helping them with their technology can be difficult. What to do?

If you know anything about what happens when people get old, you’ll know that keeping their minds active is one of the most important things for maintaining quality of life in enjoyment of retirement. With this in mind, it’s not hard to see why a cell phone would be a great gift for an elder loved one who might be feeling left out and alone. An easy way to keep them entertained, informed, and connected is a good choice for all sorts of reasons – mental health as well as general wellbeing.

Why Do Older Adults Need Cellular Phones?

1. What you need to know is that your loved one won’t be able to use their mobile phone right away. This is because they will have to start with their own phone as most current phones are locked down by default. If you’re worried about not being up-to-date, rest assured it’s not difficult for the elderly to become proficient with a smartphone. It’s a matter of learning how. And once they get the hang of things, they’ll definitely find it easier than they would have expected.

2. Options are available to help with learning as well – online learning tools or live, in-person training. With technology that has dropped in price and made the interfaces easier to use, there is no reason to limit yourself.

3. You can also put a phone number for the elder person on their smartphone. Having this means that they can call you at any time – even if they’re in different places – and you can call them back as needed, which allows them to feel more connected.

4. Some elderly people enjoy video chatting with distant relatives or friends who live elsewhere. This is a great way to keep up with how everyone is doing and it’s entirely possible for an aging parent or other relative to enjoy some virtual companionship.

Once he or she gets the hang of it, it’s likely you’ll be able to discuss all types of things with your loved one over video. If you don’t have a contact list for them, phone numbers can easily be added to their cell phone. It will then be easy to call them at any time – not just when at home.

5. Phone access is an important tool for people who are getting older and connecting with family members is a good way to make the transition easier. It’s possible that some seniors will still want to use a landline, but it’s also likely they’ll opt for a cell phone instead.

6. With the right device and enough learning about how it works, an elderly person can get in touch with the world in ways they never could before. And of course, if they’re not quite ready to give up their landline there is no reason you can’t help them make that transition as well.

5 Recommended Cell Phones For Older Adults

1. Samsung Galaxy Exhibit 4G

If you’re looking for a phone that’s easy to use and puts everything to hand, the Galaxy Exhibit 4G has much to offer. It comes with a 4-inch screen, which is large enough to make the phone very easy on older eyes. The touchscreen is also great for those who aren’t used to using touchscreens. It can be customized with photo wallpaper and ringtones, making it your own mobile device. There are preloaded Ice Cream Sandwich apps as well as voice control, so it’s simple to control all of the functions from one place.

2. LG Quantum Q6

This is one of the best cell phones for seniors. It comes with a 3.2-inch screen that’s easy on the eyes and very easy to use, with a slide out QWERTY keyboard. The camera has auto focus and face detection, so it’s great for taking photos, though the quality is not as good as that found on smartphones like the Galaxy Exhibit 4G. You can also customize the home screen. This cell phone comes preloaded with Android 2.2 (Froyo).

3. LG Quantum Q3

This cell phone is a great choice for those who don’t like the touchscreen, as it has a keypad. It comes with a 1.2-inch screen and preloaded with Android 2.2 (Froyo). The camera has manual focus and face recognition, so you can easily take photos without having to deal with the touch interface too much. You can also customize your home screen and customize your ringtones. This cell phone comes preloaded with the Google Maps provider, so you can easily navigate to different locations without having to go online.

4. LG Optimus V

If you’re looking for a budget cell phone, the Optimus V is a great choice. It comes with a slide out QWERTY keyboard and has touch controls on the face of the phone. It has a 2-megapixel camera with autofocus, so you can take photos of your experiences without having to pay attention to all of those settings. With Google Maps installed, it’s easy to navigate and tell where you are at all times. This cell phone comes with Google Talk, so it’s easy to connect with friends and family without having to install anything extra.

5. Motorola Atrix

The Motorola Atrix is one of the best cell phones for seniors. It’s powered by a dual core processor and features Android 2.2 (Froyo), which helps to keep the phone secure and running smoothly, though it can be upgraded to version 2.3 (Gingerbread). The Motorola Atrix has a 4-inch screen, which is larger than that on most smartphones and makes it easier to navigate. It also has a slide out QWERTY keyboard set in an easy-to-reach location. The camera has autofocus, face detection, and exposure control so you can take photos without having to pay attention to all of those settings.

Conclusion

Your smartphone can make a big difference in the life of people who are aging. It’s great for keeping in touch with friends and family. It can also be used to navigate if you don’t have a car, since you can use Google Maps on your phone to get where you need to go.

You don’t have to have a smartphone in order for your elderly loved one to make use of this technology. You only need a landline, and many people are happy with the way that they keep in contact without having to spend money on additional plans or services.

Taking advantage of these options, though, will help your older loved one feel more connected and as though they still belong in the world.