I’ve never understood this philosophy that a person in their “golden years” can’t take advantage of the ever increasing technology available these days. Everywhere you look nowadays you see people of all ages equipped with a cell phone. Still seniors today (which some consider 55 and up, others not until you are 65) concern themselves with financial aspects of a cell phone as well as the features and such. Here, we take a better look at the top five cell phones for seniors.
1. Pantech Breeze (www.att.com) This phone is offered by AT&T; and is free with a contract. The pros of this phone for seniors are that it’s easy to use, has large buttons, (which are easier to see and maneuver), and a extra loud volume for those whose hearing may not be what it was in the “good old days.” It also works with hear aids. It also has a long battery life for phones that are frequently left and forgotten. AT&T; does offer a senior plan for people 65 and over but don’t get excited. It’s 29.95 a month and consists of 200 Anytime minutes with 500 minutes for the nights/weekends. This would be acceptable for the occasional caller only. The con to this phone is that most users say it is too basic but that could be found agreeable with most seniors.
2. Samsung Knack U310 (www.verizon.com) This phone is offered through Verizon. It’s also free with a contract and Verizon’s senior plan is exactly the same as AT&T.; Once again, the service is acceptable for the occasional caller (which most seniors claim to be) without getting out of hand price wise. For seniors, this phone comes equipped with large readable fonts and outstanding reception and call quality. Plus, it has easy to use menus designed for people with limited hearing and vision. They also boast maximum volume and display size. It also has a long battery life. It seems to have a positive senior appeal.
3. LG LX290 (www.sprint.com) This phone is offered by Sprint and alas, it does cost. It is 30 dollars with a contract. Still, while Sprint does not offer a senior plan, they do have a basic plan for 29.95 a month. However, Sprint’s plan does include nights and weekends but they start at nine. (Most seniors do report they still go to sleep early). You can adjust the time but it costs more ($5 for 7pm, $10 for 6pm) and it may be cheaper to go with another plan before paying 39.99 for two more hours free time. The phone however is suppose to be great if you don’t want a bunch of features. It does have a low price (for ones that cost) and some consider Sprint the best phone call quality ever. It does have a long battery, a 1.3 megapixel camera, and four dedicated speed dial buttons. It also is a slide phone and is a little more modern. . Still, the font size can not be changed and some don’t like the camera. So, it doesn’t look good altogether.
4. Samsung Axle (www.uscellular.com) This is a great free phone (with contract) from U.S. Cellular but the service is pretty pricey. They do not offer a senior plan and the friendliest plan they offer costs a whooping 49.95. That only includes 1000 Anytime minutes and nights and weekends that start at seven p.m. The phone, however, is easy to use, has a great voice quality, and has blue tooth and voice command. It also contains a camera and is complimented with a larger display and more memory. This is really great for someone who may have difficulty in dialing. Still, it may cost you an arm and a leg.
5. Samsung SGH-T101G (www.tracfone.com) This phone is actively designed for seniors but the provider is designed to empty the wallets of the unsuspecting and unaware. While there are no contracts, minutes for these phones are more pricey than most. (50 min- 9.99, 100 min.-19.99, 150 min. 29.99) You can get a plan for what the minutes cost you but the phones are only around 15 dollars and can be picked up at your area Wal-Mart as opposed to online or in a place of business. It would make for a great emergency or very limited phone use. It does have an easy to open slider, which is great for senior hands, friendly buttons with a responsive keypad, and great reception. It is a very basic phone with little features. It is viewed as being very positive senior just very negative bankroll.
When it comes to cell phones, you have to shop around and explore all your options regardless of your age. It’s always best to research and compare any and all makes and models until you are comfortable with your choices.
