PHONES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Although a high resolution camera, faster
performance, high resolution displays and multimedia
are becoming key identifiers of a good mobile phone;
these features are nothing more than a nuisance for
some, especially elders.
With age our eyesight and hearing weaken. For old
people, using a normal mobile phone is quite a task in
itself. So rather than let the elderly struggle with cell
phones, we have identified some mobile phones that
are specifically designed for them.
iBall Aasan
The
iBall Aasan might look like a funny little mobile phone
but for senior people it is nothing short of a boon. Its
extra large back-lit keys and large but simple display
are very easy on the eye.
The design of this phone is such that it fits easily in
the palm and does not cause any discomfort while
holding. The shortcut keys are placed on the side for
easy access and include buttons for torch and wireless
FM radio.
The phone features a loudspeaker and the earpiece is
tuned at a louder volume as compared to most other
mobile phones. One of the remarkable features of this
device is its SOS feature. This emergency feature
allows the user to send a pre-recorded emergency
message to five preset numbers at the touch of a
button. After that the phone calls the numbers one
after another until a call is answered, if not the phone
repeats the loop three times.
It is priced at Rs 3,500.
Skymoon D1201
You
might have not heard about this manufacturer but you
will find its phones in the market soon. The D1201 is
a small mobile phone but with a big keypad and a 1.7
inch display, for easy readability and operation.
This phone also features a flashlight and wireless FM.
There are shortcut keys located on the sides that can
be used to access FM and the torch, and to control the
volume.
The design of this phone is quite similar to that of the
iBall Aasan.
It is priced at Rs 1,500.
Other cell phones that provide great functionality for
senior people are available only in the international
market. However, people in India can buy them
through channels such as Ebay Global. Two of such
phones are mentioned below.
Samsung Jitterbug
Even
though senior people like simplicity and prefer
functionality over design, Samsung has dared to
provide the first clam-shell cell phone for them.
The keypad is big with backlit keys that make
readability better in both bright as well as dark light
conditions. The phone features dual displays, with
large character size and powerful speakers that make
listening to calls possible in both noisy and quiet
environments.
It is priced at Rs 3,700.
Just 5
When
it comes to mobiles for seniors, all phones feature a
big keypad and big character display. The major
benefit of this phone is the emergency response
feature, but in India you won ’t be able to use it.
Here you will be using it as a basic phone with
loudspeaker, wireless radio, and flashlight — all
standard features found on such devices.
It costs about Rs 4,500.