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Choosing the right phone, especially an easy-to-use flip phone for seniors, doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, seniors and their loved ones can narrow their options by focusing on functions that help make life simpler and safer.
How Do Phones Help Seniors?
Cell phones are increasingly useful tools for seniors, a fact reflected in the growing percentage of older Americans who own one. They not only provide an easy way to talk and text with friends, take photos of family and keep track of contacts, but many also include medical alert capabilities, can set reminders for appointments and medications, and are compatible with assistive technology and devices.
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If you’re a senior or you care for a senior who lives alone or has a chronic medical condition, a cell phone can make it easy to contact emergency services, carry out daily functions and increase safety and peace of mind. If you or your senior loved one simply need an easy way to keep life organized and stay connected, a phone is an invaluable assistant.
Flip Phones vs. Smartphones
In an era where smartphones are easily the most popular type of phone, it’s important to remember the benefits of a simple flip phone. A smartphone is a useful tool, but for some seniors, it may have too many distracting or confusing applications and features.
Alternatively, flip phones provide basic communication functions. They’re also less expensive and tend to have a longer battery life than most smartphones. What’s more, they’re less complex than smartphones and will typically be easier for seniors to get used to. Flip phones are an excellent option for seniors looking to buy their first mobile phone or for anyone who prefers the simplicity and security of a basic phone.
Criteria for Flip Phones Seniors Should Consider
Use this list to help you determine important features and functions in a new flip phone for you or an older friend or family member.
Ease of Use and Accessibility
Basic features that make a phone easy to use include:
- A large, tactile keypad for easy navigation, texting and calling.
- A bright, high-contrast screen to counter vision problems (a backlit keyboard may also be useful).
- Loudspeakers with volume control, particularly if you’re experiencing hearing loss.
- A longer battery life than most smartphones (typically multiple days) so you don’t have to worry about constantly charging your phone.
- An ability to set multiple alerts and reminders over a variety of timespans (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) easily.
Ultimately, a flip phone should be easy and intuitive for you or your senior to use.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth compatibility on a flip phone is important if you plan on using hands-free services or have a pair of wireless headphones or wireless-enabled hearing aids. Voice-to-text services may also rely on a Bluetooth connection.
Voice-to-Text Compatibility
People who have difficulty typing or find it cumbersome to text—or simply prefer to dictate messages—should look for a phone with voice-to-text (also called speech-to-text or voice texting) capabilities. Some phones can also read messages to you, though you will pay a higher price for this feature.
Hearing Aid Compatibility
If you wear hearing aids, you likely know the struggles of trying to use a non-compatible phone: Feedback and interference can ruin a conversation. Hearing aid-compatible flip phones come with an M and T rating, based on standards set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). M measures compatibility with acoustic hearing aids and T measures compatibility with induction hearing aids. Look for an M or T rating of 3 or 4 for the best user experience.
Emergency and SOS Services
If you want the basic emergency services, look for phones with a dedicated emergency assistance button, commonly located on the keypad or on the outside of the phone. Most cell phones made for senior consumers include this feature.
Only a select number of flip phones come with more complex, built-in medical alert capabilities, so pay attention when purchasing. These phones can include features like fall detection, enhanced GPS and a certified urgent response system to make sure a senior user can quickly and easily receive help anywhere, any time. You also save money by not having to purchase a separate medical alert device, though be aware of battery life differences between products.
Compatibility With Chosen Service Provider
Not all flip phones are compatible with every service provider—in fact, some are only compatible with one. So when purchasing a flip phone, check that it’s compatible with your particular carrier. You can also ask specific carriers about the packages they offer. Some companies offer discounts on plans if other members of your household use the same service.
How Much Do Flip Phones Cost?
Flip phones are quite affordable relative to most smartphones. Most cost around $100 or less and can be found for as low as $30. The final price of a phone depends on the model, features and retailer.
Check to See Whether You Qualify for Lifeline
The Lifeline program provides discounts and no-cost cell phone services to eligible low-income consumers and their households. If an individual’s income is below the federal poverty guideline or they use federal assistance programs, they may qualify for Lifeline. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online or through the mail, but it does require formal documents like proof of income in order to confirm eligibility.
Find Trusted Senior Caregivers On Care.com
Care.com helps you find local caregivers ready to help with meal prep, bathing, companionship, transportation and more.
AARP Cell Phone Discounts
AARP offers its members cell phone discounts. These packages provide discounts on the phone itself, as well as accessories. AARP works directly with service providers, too, ensuring straightforward and high-quality plans. For available discounts, check the AARP Membership and Benefits website.
What to Do With Old Flip Cell Phones
Though it’s tempting to store old, unused flip phones in a box in the attic, an alternative is to donate them for a good cause. If your phone is still in good shape, consider donating to campaigns and nonprofits like Hope Phones and Cell Phones for Soldiers. You can also drop off your old phone at cell phone recycling kiosks.
Many electronics stores or cell phone carriers also offer trade-in and exchange options for old flip phones. Check with your carrier first, since you may be able to receive future discounts.
Other programs like Gazelle allow you to mail a phone to their company location for free and then receive a check or gift card once the final value of your phone is assessed.
Finally, most city governments have a program in place for recycling or repurposing old phones. Check your local government website for details.
You May Also Be Interested In Bestselling Flip Phones Available On Amazon
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TracFone My Flip 2 4G LTE Prepaid Flip Phone… |
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Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors Gray |
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Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors Red |
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ZTE Cymbal U 2020 (8GB) 2.8″ Minimalist Flip… |
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Sources
Cell Phones for Soldiers. Cell Phones for Soldiers. Accessed 6/24/2021.
Demographics of Mobile Device Ownership and Adoption in the United States. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. Accessed 6/24/2021.
Electronics, Appliances and Fitness Equipment Recycling at Best Buy. Best Buy. Accessed 6/24/2021.
Gazelle. Gazelle. Accessed 6/24/2021.
Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers. Federal Communications Commission. Accessed 6/24/2021.
Lifeline Support. Universal Service Administrative Co. Accessed 6/24/2021.
Member Benefits. AARP. Accessed 6/24/2021.
Older Adults Keep Pace on Tech Usage: 2020 Tech Trends of the 50+. AARP. Accessed 6/24/2021.
Phone Donations. Medic. Accessed 6/24/2021.
Phone Trade In. AT&T. Accessed 6/24/2021.
Verizon Trade-In. Verizon Wireless. Accessed 6/24/2021.
