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Common Reasons Seniors Don't Carry a Cell Phone
By Cristina Mulberry
Despite popular opinion, many people over the age of 65 carry cell phones and have no difficulty using them. For others however, there are a variety of reasons why they don't own one. Generally speaking, choosing not to carry a cell phone is a perfectly acceptable choice. However, in other instances, a cell phone can provide additional security that brings peace of mind to younger family members and potentially it can act as an extra tool to help assure that an individual can continue living independently. Despite this, without addressing the concerns that some elderly individuals have, it's unlikely they will be convinced to make use of these devices. Here is a run down of some of the most prevalent concerns and how they can be addressed. -- Cell phones are a significant, additional, expense. Certainly, many modern cell phones can cost well over $100 and the typical cell phone plan runs around $45 per month. However, there are inexpensive ways of obtaining a cell phone and plans that are better designed for those needing only limited use. For instance, purchasing a pre-paid phone with a set number of minutes allows the user to buy very inexpensive phones, some as low as $7 or $8 and a bank of minutes that may expire within 3 months. Additional minutes are then purchased; the annual cost may only be $100. Other senior designed plans such as those offered through Jitterbug and another through AARP can be had for only $9-$10 per month. -- Cell phones are too complex and hard to handle. If a senior only has need for voice calling, then it's true that the average cell phone has far too many features and complex menus to navigate. For those who have any reduced motor abilities, the tiny keypads can be difficult and if vision is reduced, the print on the keys and on the screen can make them nearly impossible to deal with for such individuals. Once again however, there are other options. There are cell phones on the market that have larger keys, larger print, fewer buttons, and act only as a phone rather than a multimedia device. The Jitterbug is the prime example of such a phone. -- Because of a hearing impairment, using a cell phone is impossible. Some seniors experience hearing loss which may necessitate a hearing aid. Cell phones can have inadequate volume, no seal around the ear to shut out background noise, and indeed, may create interfering noise when placed next to an ear with a hearing aid in place. However, some cell phones are designed to work well with hearing aids. Such phones have an M3/T3 rating (or higher preferrably) indicating that they are hearing aid compatible. Additionally, for those who have good dexterity, text messaging can offer another good communication solution that eliminates any difficulty in hearing over a cell phone. (See the link below for more options for the hearing impaired.) Certainly, cell phones are not a requirement, but there are times they make good sense. Being aware of some of the more non-traditional options can make obtaining and using one much easier for a senior with special needs. |
Emergency Only Phones
| Cell Phones for the Hearing Impaired
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There is no reason why an older person should have any more difficulty in mastering the use of a cell phone than anyone else. After all, they can drive cars etc. The problem has largely been one of attitudes. You have as usual produced an insightful intel here, and made a valuable contribution to a continuing debate.
You are absolutely right. I wish more of my friends would carry cell phones, mostly for safety and convenience reasons.
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This intel was contributed by mulberry
mulberry
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May, 2012
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