If you are looking for a perfect phone for the elderly, it is very important that more than the aesthetics or the features of the device, you take into account certain technical aspects of the phone. The use of the mobile phone has become a matter of necessity, beyond age or tech skills.
Especially when it comes to older people, because the telephone is the fastest and most effective tool to request help at any time and under any circumstance. Nevertheless, nowadays the offer is so wide, that choosing a suitable mobile phone for the elderly can be a difficult challenge to solve.
To help you in this process, we are going to see what are the technical characteristics that the perfect phone should have, as well as the functionality and other essential aspects of today's telephony. In the same way, there are certain characteristics thate should be taken into account when choosing a landline appropriate for the elderly.
The perfect mobile phone for seniors
If you think of looking for a new mobile phone for yourself, you are most likely thinking of the latest model of high-end Smartphone. The one that offers the best camera, with the screen in the best definition, with the maximum storage capacity or with the most current technical characteristics. In short, the most modern and the newest, which in terms of telephony, it is something really ephemeral, since everything is constantly renewed.
All these features are perfect for people who use the phone regularly, as if it were a miniature computer. However, this type of device can be useless in the hands of a person who does not need or know how to use so many tools. What's more, it can seem so complicated and cumbersome that, Instead of being used in the least way, it can be left in a drawer for fear of breaking it.
This is something that happens very frequently in older people, who have a very strong sense of responsibility and financial spending. I'm sure they appreciate the gift, But if it seems too much, you will surely avoid using it for fear of losing or breaking it. On the contrary, if you are looking for a resistant phone, with a good screen, large letters and easy to use, surely that person will even learn to use the Internet on their phone.
The essential features of a phone
When you start your search for a phone for seniors, these are the features to look into:
- Large keys. It is important to look for a telephone with large keys for older people, since vision usually deteriorates over the years and it can be difficult to see the letters on the keyboard or the numbers themselves to make a call.
- Make it easy to use: A Smartphone does not have to be difficult to use, there are many simple models designed for very basic use. With the option to install applications through Android technology, very easy to use and affordable for everyone.
- With a good screen: For an elderly person, there is nothing more cumbersome than having to make a call and not see the screen well. Look for a terminal that has a good size and a very large screen. In the technical characteristics of the phone you can check if there is the possibility of changing the size of the letters, another point in favor.
- Design: One of the issues that most worries older people is that the phone is unlocked when it is stored in a purse or pocket. To avoid this concern, you can look for a clamshell phone, the kind that closes in on itself, hiding the keypad. This way, they don't have to worry about the phone activating itself and making calls inadvertently. Another advantage of this type of phone is that they usually have keys instead of being a touch screen, which is very comfortable for older people who are not used to using very modern terminals.
- With a lot of autonomy: That is to say, that the battery has a good durability so as not to have to constantly charge the phone. This is another of the great concerns of older people. If the battery is short, they will live in fear of forgetting to charge the phone just when they need it most.
- Side keys: It is also important to choose a phone that has side keys for sound control. In this way, with a simple gesture they can regulate the volume of the speaker if they need more or less volume. Although it is a small detail, for older people it is very useful.
What if I have to find a landline?
It may seem that choosing a landline phone is easier, but nothing could be further from the truth. When it comes to a device that is going to be used by an elderly person, one should never fail to take into account very important aspects that they can make life easier in many situations.
For example, the most convenient thing to use at home is the cordless phone. A terminal that they can take with them throughout the house, and with which they can sit comfortably at chat as long as they want. But the market for landlines is also really extensive, the options are endless and the designs are very varied.
Now, although aesthetics are important and you also have to take into account the tastes of the person who is going to use the phone, the truth is that there are other aspects that are much more important.
- Emergency button: Having the possibility of connecting the telephone with the tele-assistance service corresponding to each city is one of the main characteristics that should be sought in a landline telephone. Since, with the push of a single button, you directly contact people who are at the service of the elderly 24 hours a day.
- A big screen: Among all the existing models, try to choose one that has a wide screen and a good resolution. Being able to recognize the phone number that is calling is essential for the tranquility of the elderly.
- Large, easy-to-see keyboard: It is also very important that the landline phone has good large keys. If, in addition, the colors contrast, that is, the number is written in white on a black background, it will be much easier to make calls.
In short, a telephone is basically a communication tool. All the new tools that they incorporate may be useful for a certain social group, but for older people they are not necessary. The simpler and more practical the phone, the more comfortable it will be for older people to use.