Mobile phones for the elderly

Mobile phones can be a lifeline for the elderly, ensuring that friends, family and even the emergency services can be easily contacted from anywhere at any time.

But knowing which mobile phone bests suits the requirements of an older user isn’t always easy, because health complications could mean that certain phones aren’t suitable.

To help you pick the right model, we’ve answered some of your concerns about buying mobile phones for elderly users, including what price plan is best suited to an elderly user and what features will help OAPs make the most of their mobile.

Phones for OAPs: Things to consider

Before simply running out and buying any old phone for your elderly relative or friend, you should take note of medical complications they may. Some conditions could restrict how and where they will use their mobile phone. For example:

• Sight problems - Deteriorating sight and visual complications, such as cataracts, could make it difficult for them to read a mobile phone’s screen or to see its buttons clearly
• Hearing problems - These could make it hard for the user to hear their mobile when it rings or to hear callers’ voices.

Other common health problems associated with elderly people that could affect their ability to use a mobile phone include:

• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Dexterity problems

Ideal phone features for senior citizens

When buying a mobile phone for a pensioner, consider mobile phones with:

Large screens - These will be easier for anyone with visual complications to operate, making it easier for them to make calls and send text messages.

Mobile phones with large screens include:

• LG Cookie GS290
• Samsung M8800 Pixon

Loudspeakers - Most mobile phones have a loudspeaker setting so that the user can put their phone on, say, armchairs during calls and still comfortably hear the caller.

Highly sensitive microphones also mean that the caller will be able to hear the elderly person’s voice loudly and clearly - even if they’re sat several metres away.

Mobile phones with loudspeakers and sensitive microphones include:

• Nokia 6220 Classic
• LG GB102

Keypads or touchscreens - Your choice between a touchscreen phone and one with a physical keypad should be made according to your elderly user’s requirements.

For example, someone with arthritis could find pressing a phone’s physical keys painful, making a touchscreen phone or smartphone a better choice.

Conversely, an elderly user unfamiliar with mobile phones might find touchscreen smartphones complicated.

Mobile phones with physical keypads include:

• Samsung E1080
• Sony Ericsson Cedar

Touchscreen mobiles include:

• Apple iPhone 4
• Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

Pay-as-you-go or pay-monthly?

Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) may be the best option when buying a mobile phone for an OAP, because it allows them to stay in control of how much it costs them, while also freeing them from the burden of monthly direct debit commitments.

However, text messages and phone calls tend to cost more on PAYG than with a pay-monthly tariff. You may have to pay a small upfront fee for the phone too - perhaps anywhere up to £60.

Choosing a pay-monthly mobile phone will give the user greater freedom to make calls and send texts because a certain amount of both will be included in the tariff. You’ll probably also receive your chosen phone for free.

The downside is that you’ll be left to foot the bill each month because the contract will have been taken out in your name.

Speak to pensioner you’re purchasing the phone for, and see which payment method they would prefer.

Specialist phones for pensioners

Several mobile phone manufacturers specialise in mobile phones for the elderly, including Doro, Binatone and Geemarc.

The benefit of these phones is that they tend to have large screens, big buttons and only a few key features, such as making calls. And some, like the Doro phone reviewed below, have unique features in case of emergencies.

It’s important to check out what’s on offer, as specialist phones may be lacking in the features that standard mobiles have. For example, some can’t send text messages.

Click here to compare mobile phone deals.

Galaxy S4(black) £49.00	500 min 5000 texts	£35.00
Galaxy Note 2(black) £99.00	500 min 5000 texts	£20.00
One(black) £0.00	500 min 5000 texts	£31.00
Nexus 4(black) £0.00	500 min 5000 texts	£24.00
Galaxy S4(black) £49.00	2000 min 5000 texts	£37.00

Find your ideal mobile phone package

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