Best Low-Tech Cell Phones Suitable for Seniors

A series of reports by CBS News and USA Today explores the aging of an iconic generation and the impact on the nation.

As smart-phones get increasingly complicated, there's another trend in the making: low-tech, easy-to-use, inexpensive cell phones for senior citizens.

And as "The Early Show" continued the CBS News series "Senior Moment," being done in conjunction with print partner USA Today to mark the oldest baby boomers turning 65 next month, CNET Technology contributor Katie Linendoll looked at what she sees as some of the best ones available.

CBS News/USA Today Series: Senior Moment

(The following descriptions were prepared with information given to her by providers)

MODELS

JITTERBUG (Model: J)
GreatCall.com
$99, with a one-time $35 activation fee; no contracts and no cancellation fees
Purchased online at GreatCall.com
In-store: Best Buy, RadioShack

++ The original easy to use cell phone, custom-designed by Samsung
++ Large keypad makes dialing easy
++ Powerful speaker delivers clear sound
++ Bluetooth?, Caller ID and Speakerphone enabled
++ Access all options with simple "YES" or "NO" questions
++ Dial "0" anytime to reach a friendly GreatCall Operator
++ SimpleText Messaging available

Features:

Medication Reminders ($10 per month):
++ Award-winning service allows customers to easily follow medication schedules exactly as prescribed by their doctor, track adherence to that schedule and get prescription refill reminders
++ Users receive an inbound call for each scheduled reminder and respond to one of five options using the keypad to record their medication adherence
++ For example, they are prompted to hit 1 if they have, or will now take, the medication or to hit 2 if they are not taking the medication because they feel they do not need it at present
++ Users may program up to 16 reminders per day
++ By simply logging into their MyGreatCall.com account, users can see a chart of adherence by each medication. This compliance chart can be printed from home by the user or loved one, or users can call a GreatCall customer care representative who can print and mail the compliance report to them. Users can then share the results with their doctor, care taker, or family
++ The service also offers a prescription refill component. Users can work with a customer care representative or online at MyGreatCall.com to program where and when they pick up their prescriptions. When it's time for a refill, the automated system will call the customer directly and connect her or him to the appropriate pharmacy to place the order

LiveNurse ($4 per month, and free on Premium and Unlimited plans):
++ Award-winning service offers unlimited 24/7 access to live, registered nurses for medical advice and support wherever and whenever it's needed
++ The nurses can also connect users to an updated health library featuring current information on hundreds of general health-related topics
++ In addition, the nurses track the topics discussed each time a customer calls, allowing personalized service for each user by identifying specific issues or concerns that may arise during subsequent calls

JUST5
Just5.com
$89.99
Operates on any GSM Carrier: AT&T, T-Mobile, take SIM card out of old phone and pop into Just5

FEATURES:

• Big, easy to use dial buttons, also there is a confirmed keypad which speaks the numbers when you dial them
• Amplified sound and hearing aid compatible
• Big Red SOS Button on the back of the phone offers sense of security- immediately sends text message to your 5 contacts and will start calling those contacts one by one and will go into speakerphone mode
• Not many extras though it does offer text messaging, flashlight
• No apps, no internet, bare boned

SAMSUNG HAVEN (Verizon)
VerizonWireless.com
$39.99 with two year contract

FEATURES:

• Basic flip phone no camera
• Large display and keypad
• 1 inch external display / 2 inch internal
• In case of emergency button and a 911 button
• Texting available / Can receive picture message but cant send one
• Good speakerphone
• Pill reminder option

PANTECH EASE (AT&T)
WirelessATT.com
$49.99 w/ 2-year contract & rebate *requires a $20 minimum payment plan
• Well spaced- buttons
• Large fonts
• An easy mode that goes right to the most-used functions
• Text and picture messaging
• Video capture
• Web Browser
• Extras: 2MP camera, voice guided GPS, full QWERTY keyboard

For information on calling plans for seniors, go to Page 2.

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20 Comments Add a Comment

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alvmarell says:: Hi,
rather than looking for a senior-friendly smartphone you might want a senior-friendly app that simplifies any smartphone. I have recently purchased a new Android phone and wanted to give my previous one, an LG L5, to my Mom, but dared not replace her old Nokia cellphone with a smartphone. I've installed Fontrillo on the L5 and showed it to her. Other than getting used to the touch technology, she learned the gist of Fontrillo incredibly fast. The best features are, in my opinion, the almost total lack of nested menus, which was one of the things that made my Mom crazy, and the keyboard, with keys in alphabetical order without the horrendous multitap of old cellphones.
And hey, Fontrillo is free! I definitely recommend this app. http://www.fontrillo.com; reply

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stevefort says:: As a professional senior caregiver, I believe that seniors must have a reliable cell phone on them 24/7. This is crucial because if there is any disturbance, any danger, any health problem, they need to get immediate assistance. The Jitterbug phone in the article is good with LiveNurse and automatic med reminders--these services can all help. But many seniors also need a companion to assist for at least an hour or so per day. And the companion must be immediately reachable by phone. There are many agencies that assist with companion care in almost any city in the U.S. Ours is http://www.eliteseniorcompanions.com; reply

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bconstance87 says:: so I have to agree with a lot of this article and I think they hit some good points.. and yes some phones dont need to just be for seniors but I believe the ones that are designed for the elderly are extremely helpful. I personally chose to get my great aunt an SVC by tracfone because the guy at Kmart told me that people have come back being really happy with the phone. So yes I took the risk ( it was a samsungt115 for 15 dollars) and taught my aunt how to use it and she now knows how! It took like 20 minutes max to teach her and she can actually see the keys and the screen.... and she can hear it too. She prefers the speakerphone so she doesnt have to hold it and I must say for a no contract phone.. it is loud and great for her!; reply

: linkicon reporticon emailicon
bconstance87 says:: so I have to agree with a lot of this article and I think they hit some good points.. and yes some phones dont need to just be for seniors but I believe the ones that are designed for the elderly are extremely helpful. I personally chose to get my great aunt an SVC by tracfone because the guy at Kmart told me that people have come back being really happy with the phone. So yes I took the risk ( it was a samsungt115 for 15 dollars) and taught my aunt how to use it and she now knows how! It took like 20 minutes max to teach her and she can actually see the keys and the screen.... and she can hear it too. She prefers the speakerphone so she doesnt have to hold it and I must say for a no contract phone.. it is loud and great for her!; reply

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poohpooh4404 says:

TracPhone is the best, not just for seniors. I have a beautiful phone with camera and bluetooth, It isn't a smart phone, but does everything I need it to do. This phone is excellent for people who don't stay on the phone 24 hours a day. I've saved lots since I got it. Everyone should try it. My phone is a Samsung.


bconstance87 replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; so I have to agree with a lot of this article and I think they hit some good points.. and yes some phones dont need to just be for seniors but I believe the ones that are designed for the elderly are extremely helpful. I personally chose to get my great aunt an SVC by tracfone because the guy at Kmart told me that people have come back being really happy with the phone. So yes I took the risk ( it was a samsungt115 for 15 dollars) and taught my aunt how to use it and she now knows how! It took like 20 minutes max to teach her and she can actually see the keys and the screen.... and she can hear it too. She prefers the speakerphone so she doesnt have to hold it and I must say for a no contract phone.. it is loud and great for her!

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BradMeg says:: @jackson36, I agree that profiling is wrong but have first-hand seen why there is a need for devices like these. My dad is quite tech-savvy and owns a droid but my mom never liked the idea of a cell. Now we have convinced her to carry one but she refuses to even look at anything like a smartphone. The senior value cell flip we got on tracfone is close enough to a 'real' phone for her. She doesn't even do texting although she now at least knows how to read them!; reply

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the-x-factor says:

Most seniors I know are not too keen on having a cell phone. Figured, they've lived without one for so long, why now? So needless to day, I was so glad to have finally convinced my mom to accept a cell phone from me as a gift so I don't have to worry about where she is all the time. Finally convinced her wth the TracFone SVC (which is surprising that it's not listed here). She's very frugal so when I told her that the phone would only cost me $15 and I will be paying for her bills which is a non-factor for me as it would only cost less than $10 a month! For the peace of mind, this can't be beat! I've noticed that she's actually enjoying the convenience of having a phone at her disposal! Told you so mom!


x-word replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; Thank you so very much for using "most" instead of "all" since I do not fit into the "most" category at this time. I love my Droid 2 and plan to continue experimenting with new technology for as long as I am able to do so. It sure keeps my aging 65+ brain stimulated!

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the-x-factor says:: Most seniors I know are not too keen on having a cell phone. Figured, they've lived without one for so long, why now? So needless to day, I was so glad to have finally convinced my mom to accept a cell phone from me as a gift so I don't have to worry about where she is all the time. Finally convinced her wth the TracFone SVC (which is surprising that it's not listed here). She's very frugal so when I told her that the phone would only cost me $15 and I will be paying for her bills which is a non-factor for me as it would only cost less than $10 a month! For the peace of mind, this can't be beat! I've noticed that she's actually enjoying the convenience of having a phone at her disposal! Told you so mom!; reply

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tyblossom says:

I'm shocked that some seniors feel that it's not a good idea to have special phones for seniors. At 66, your just a brand new senior and I'm guessing don't have the problems that eventually will probably crop up. My dad has Parkinson's and has been having trouble seeing. So finding a phone with larger numbers is wonderful. Also, he has some trouble with remembering, so having too many options can be a problem for him. I've been looking for a while for something like this and am so grateful to have found these suggestions. Thanks to CBS for having it. Honestly I'm surprised that companies aren't learning from Apple Ipod type things and making things simple and less confusing can be a good thing.


x-word replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; I agree that it is a good idea to have special phones for seniors who want and need them. What I do not like is when companies (and society, in general) stereotype seniors and try to sell us special phones because of our age. As I said in another post, my Droid 2 phone is the easiest-to-use phone I have ever owned. When I hold it vertically, I have a fairly large keypad.

I am 65+ and am blessed with good health which I realize is not the case for all seniors. I try to live a healthy, low-sodium, low-cholesterol active lifestyle that I hope will help me stay healthy for a few more years!

I'm sure there will be a day when I will need to use special "senior" gadgets. However, I will continue to choose what I want to use as long for as I am able to do so. I will also continue to speak out and let the world know that not everyone over 65 is sitting in a rocking chair. Now its time to get back to using the Internet to plan my 2011 tent-camping trips.


x-word replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; Oops! I meant to say "...I want to use for as long as..." in the last paragraph. That's what happens when I'm not careful with cutting and pasting.

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jackson36 says:

This is just beyond annoying! Why do people assume that people considered "seniors" are incapable of using high tech instruments? I'm 66 and use a smartphone. I text, check/send email, use many apps, take and upload photos and videos, use Facebook, etc., etc! We are not "handicapped" and we do not need "special" gadgets! Shame on you! You have insulted the good people over 60 everywhere!


x-word replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; jackson36: Thank you for posting this. I agree with what you wrote and also resent being "profiled" and offered "special gadgets" because I am 65+. As I said in my post, my Droid 2 phone is the easiest to use phone I have ever owned. It is truly a "smart" phone.

On the other hand, I also realize that not everyone is like me. I just love learning about and experimenting with the newest electronic gadgets. Some "seniors" might be a little hesitant to try something new. With encouragement (and a good teacher), I feel anyone can learn new things at any age.

Instead of pushing "special gadgets" for "seniors," stores that sell cell phones could offer classes that provide an introduction to different types of cell phones. I personally would only attend a class that was open to ALL ages. However, I realize that some "seniors" want to be only with other "seniors" so perhaps offering a 65+ class could be offered.

Finally, I probably know more people in their 40's and 50's who are struggling with rapidly changing technology. They are still busy working and sometimes still raising families that they just don't have the time to keep up.


x-word replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; Oops! I hit "Send" before checking this over. It should be "so perhaps a 65+ class could be offered" at the end of the third paragraph, and "still so busy working" in the last sentence.

Thank you for allowing me to share my views.