Fewer and fewer recall that none of the people who had rotary dial telephones in their homes in the 1950s owned them. These were rented directly from the phone company. And it wasn’t until nearly the 60s that human operators, called manual telephone exchanges, were replaced by exchanges that were automated. There was no such thing as voicemail or caller ID. If the person you tried to reach didn’t answer, you had to call back later and try again.

For those who are 75 and older, this was the phone system they grew up with. The world changes quickly and seems to only do so the older that you get. And this is never made clearer than when looking at the rapid developments of technology.

Around 20 years or so ago now, the smartphone arrived on the scene, boasting multiple functions in one handheld device and an array of applications (more commonly called apps). Despite this fact, many adults over the age of 65 were slower to adopt the widespread use of cell phones in general. Now, however, over half of all seniors have even upgraded to using smartphones. While you may not be aware of this, there are many functions and apps on smartphones now that have been designed specifically for seniors.

Useful Smartphone Features for Seniors

There are many smartphones on the market now that have simplified menus, as well as larger text and icons designed with seniors in mind. These might allow you to connect on various social media platforms or search for information, as well as sporting a wide selection of features to assist in your day-to-day living. While the available features vary between different phone models and carriers, some of them include the following:

• Brighter screen

• Easier and quicker access to medical professionals

• Easier-to-navigate home screen and menu

• Hearing aid compatibility (usually through Bluetooth) and enhanced volume options

• Larger keypad

• Long-lasting batteries

• Low-battery notifications that can automatically text caregivers, family, or friends

• Magnification option (in the phone’s camera setting)

• Medical alert systems

• Medication reminders

• Pre-programmable buttons for emergency frequently used numbers

Even information such as blood type, emergency contacts, medication allergies, and prescriptions can all be stored on your smartphone for use by first responders if necessary in an emergency. Another feature standard in most smartphones is GPS tracking, which could be invaluable in locating a senior who may easily lose their way from time to time.

Benefits of Cell Phone Usage for Seniors

Even if a smartphone is not right for you, there are still a lot of good reasons as a senior to get a cell phone either in place of or in addition to your landline at home. Here are some of the tangible benefits that cell phones can offer older adults:

• Entertainment (games, music, movies, shows, and other video content)

• Keep records of health information and share it easily with providers

• Manage Bluetooth devices with apps (hearing aid, thermostats, etc.)

• Organize alarms, calendar alerts, and reminders for doctor appointments and other important events

• Recording and sharing memories easily with digital photos and videos

• Remaining connected with family and friends

But there are also other benefits that using a cell phone might provide:

• Allowing prolonged independent living due to emergency and fall alerts

• Improving mental health with social interaction

• Promoting an active mind and better brain health, helping to prevent dementia

• Providing a greater awareness and control over personal health with fitness and health condition tracking apps

Something as seemingly simple as being able to see the person you are talking with can also be very helpful, for both seniors and their caregivers; especially so for long-distance caregivers. Video conversations, such as those offered by most social media apps, can portray the non-verbal part of communication that can be so critical when understanding what issues someone may be living with.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cell Phone

Between the various different providers, models of phones, available plans, and features available, there is a daunting array of cell phone options to choose from for older adults. Although a cell phone you find has benefits useful to seniors included, you may not need all of the features available on that particular device. What follows are a few key things to consider before you commit to buying that phone you might be eyeing.

What Types of Cell Phones Exist Now?

There are three basic varieties of cell phones – basic phones, feature phones, and smartphones. If you are thinking about buying a cell phone, you will first need to decide which of these types of technology is best going to fit your needs. A basic phone can make voice calls and can send and receive text messages (also called SMS messages), but that is about it.

Feature phones have a few additional features beyond a basic phone and usually include things like a camera and an increased storage capability. These also usually have the ability to access the internet, though they may be somewhat limited due to having only a standard numeric keypad.

Smartphones are basically handheld computers that are also capable of making phone calls. They usually have larger screens than basic or feature phones, run a full operating system, and have a QWERTY keypad, as well as giving you the ability to add apps to the device.

Is a Smartphone Really Necessary?

Nowadays, it seems like everybody has a smartphone, which may make you feel pressured into purchasing one. However, you should take the time to consider whether one will actually fit your needs. They are an expensive option when compared to basic or feature phones because you have to pay both for the device itself as well as the more costly monthly data plan. Be sure to carefully consider your budget in addition to how it is that you plan on using your new cell phone.

If you plan on watching videos (such as movies or television shows), looking at pictures on social media, or doing video calls with friends and family, then a smartphone is a great solution. On the other side of the coin, if phone calls and sending texts are enough of a way for you to feel connected, or if there isn’t a lot of room in your budget, then a simpler phone might be the better choice.

They Have a Learning Curve

Once you decide on a type of phone, which options you prefer, the payment plan, and which apps you might need or want, you are going to learn how to use it. A simpler phone is exactly that – simpler. So it comes with a shallower learning curve and, while not a rotary dial, it should be straightforward enough to learn which buttons perform which functions.

A smartphone is a whole other ballgame. Consider asking your caregiver or one of your children to give you a hand in learning how to use your new device. It may not be an easy or quick process, as a lot of functions weren’t even around until the beginning of this century. Have patience with yourself and with the person helping you, and take it slowly. Before long you will be tapping, swiping, and widening screens with your fingertips in no time.

Important features can be set up in advance by your caregiver, even if you don’t fully understand the function just yet. Shortcuts for the apps you use most often can be established as well so that you don’t have to hunt them down. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about what different buttons are or how to find specific features on the phone.

Many assisted living and retirement communities provide classes for seniors that teach cell phone usage. There are also places where seniors can sign up for online classes or instructor-led workshops.

Picking a Provider

If you do decide to get a smartphone, you will next need to determine which company you want to go with. Two of the largest operating systems in the smartphone market are Apple and Android, and there is a multitude of makers and models of cell phones that run either one of these systems. Apple supports the iPhone and if you have used other Apple products or this is what most of your family members have, it could make it the better choice. Android, on the other hand, is known for being a little more user-friendly. There are even many Android-supported devices that come with an “easy mode” specifically for individuals who are less tech-inclined.

There are also other providers in the market who offer more affordable and simpler smartphones that are designed with seniors in mind.

Picking a Plan

Just like the phones themselves, there is a wide variety of different plans that you could choose from. Some are pay-as-you-go plans, some are month-to-month, and others are contract-based. Although less flexible, many of the contract-based plans may also earn you additional discounts. If you do not plan on using your phone regularly, you might save more money with a pay-as-you-go plan. Be sure to explore the plans available to you and compare them to find the one that best fits your needs.

When making your choice, make sure to consider how many texts, how much data, and how many minutes of talk time you are planning to use. If you are getting a smartphone or are more advanced in your understanding of the technology, then getting an unlimited data plan might be the best option for you. If all that you want to do is to make a few phone calls and send a few texts now and then, you might be better off picking a simpler text-and-talk plan.

There are even smartphone plans for older adults who only really need access for emergencies or infrequent use. Picking a plan like this would keep the cost at a minimum, but you should understand that the options will come with restrictions.

If you are a bit more tech-savvy, then there are services still designed for seniors, but that offer features like unlimited texts and talk. These plans also usually offer additional upgrades for high-speed data and video streaming that can be added on.

How Much Will it Cost?

How much it will cost to get a cell phone is going to vary widely because it depends on which provider you choose and what the device you want is capable of performing. Simpler phones come with a smaller price tag, usually somewhere in the range of $60-100, depending on the carrier. Adversely, smartphones begin in the couple of hundred dollars range and go up from there. Depending on the model and features, some may cost well over $1,000. Thankfully, whatever your budget might be, you should be able to find a cell phone that won’t cause financial concerns.

Most providers, like AT&T and Verizon, offer monthly payment plans to make the expensive phones that they carry more affordable. This way, you can pay your phone off over time instead of having to fully pay in advance. These plans usually range from $5-25 per month and are simply added to your regular bill until the cost of the device is paid off. If you do choose to take this option, make certain that you read your contract carefully. There are providers who merely rent the device to you for a monthly payment and you are obligated to return it after a specified time elapses.

Good Cell Phone Providers for Seniors

Here are some examples of cell phone providers who offer the best deals for seniors for talk, text, and data plans.

• AT&T. One of the largest providers in America, they carry a wide array of the latest smartphones in addition to their line of basic cell phones. Their 5G cellular network also has very comprehensive coverage. For customers 55 or older who happen to live in Florida, they also offer a discounted unlimited plan.

• Consumer Cellular. This company carries senior-friendly options in everything from flip phones to smartphones and offers a large range of reasonable talk, text, and data plans. They even have a unique tablet available that also functions as a phone. This device sports a larger screen and is easier to hold onto, which is perfect for seniors to use, especially when at home.

• Lively. This senior-specific provider specializes in medical alert systems and cell phones for older adults. Their range of senior plans start as low as $15 per month, but they also offer Health & Safety Packages that come with a wide array of medical alert features for $25 per month. If you are interested in having a single device that can fulfill the role of both a medical alert system and a cell phone, this company is a great option.

• T-Mobile. Another of the largest providers in the nation with widespread 5G coverage, this company offers three different senior-friendly unlimited options. When compared to their traditional unlimited plans, these three plans offer a significant discount and also carry additional perks such as free in-flight Wi-Fi and hotspot data – perfect for seniors who are still on the go.

• Verizon. Likewise one of the biggest carriers in the United States, Verizon offers a lineup of devices and coverage that is every bit comparable to that of AT&T. They also have a 55+ Senior Phone Plan that offers unlimited talk, text, and data… but is also only available to older adults who are residents of Florida. Though they do not offer any other senior-specific discounts, there are plenty of other affordable plans offered that work for seniors living in other parts of the nation.

Bottom Line: Various Options to Fit Your Needs

If you have never had a cell phone before, the number of choices available can be intimidating. From the numerous devices, providers, and plans available, it can be very overwhelming – especially considering how rapidly the world of cell phone technology evolves. But with a little bit of know-how, you can make an informed decision about which of these things best suits what you are looking for in a phone.

The end result is the same, to remain connected with those that you love and those who are providing care for you. By taking care of the advanced technology available, you can swipe, tap, drag, expand, text, video chat, and call to your heart’s content. Learning how to navigate using a cell phone can lead to unexpected benefits and opens up an entire world of possibilities for older adults.