We recognise that sometimes technology can be confusing and hard to get the hang of. Many of us have a mobile phone in our pockets and use it not only to make calls and send texts, but also for getting online and using the latest apps and social media tools. We feel it’s important for any elderly person to have a mobile phone, especially when they are out and about. They can be perfect for contacting friends and family in the event of an emergency. Moreover, mobile phones for older people could be the ideal way to keep in touch with loved ones, helping to fight loneliness and isolation.
No elderly person should fear getting a mobile phone, as there are plenty out there which are easy to use. Some even have better specifications than top-of-the-range phones such as the iPhone.
An expert from Techadvisor has suggested some things to look out for when purchasing a mobile phone for older people:
“Look for a smartphone with simple, easy to use, intuitive navigation. Think of a few key things you are going to want to do – make a call, send an email, find a phone number – and ask to try them out in the store. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, but if it takes a sales assistant a long time to explain how to undertake such key tasks, this may not be the phone for you.” (Techadvisor)
We’ve browsed for easy, accessible, and user-friendly phones and would like to share our top mobile phones for the elderly users.
Remember to keep safe when using your mobile phone and be aware of any phone scams.
Samsung Mobile with Synapptic Software
This is an accessible, 6.6″ smartphone pre-loaded with Synapptic software. Synapptic is designed so that all features work in the same way, making this Samsung mobile easy to learn. It includes a free USB talking book adaptor and two years of software updates.
Synapptic software offers easy-to-follow menus, large high-contrast text, voice control, and clear speech feedback, making this smartphone effortless to use and perfect for any elderly user. The advantages of Synapptic software is that all its features work in the same easy-to-use way, so once you’ve mastered one feature, you’ve mastered them all. Synapptic allows you to stay connected with the latest news and up-to-date with family and friends in a simple, accessible way.
It will set you back a fair bit, priced at £429. However it has got a high specification with all the aspects you need such as a 50MP camera and voice control. Synapptic have a wide range to choose from, too.
Find out more about the Samsung.
Doro Mobile Phones for Older People
Mobile phone manufacturer Doro have created a whole range of mobile phones for the elderly. They have released easy-to-use versions of flip-phones, slide-phones, regular phones, and now touchscreen smart phones.
All of the traditional phones have been given big buttons, which have clear symbols on them so that the user knows what they need to press. The devices come with an assistant button, easy navigation, a torch, loudspeaker system, and some are hearing aid compatible.
The simplest and safest mobile phone is the Doro Secure 780X. This mobile includes speed dial keys, with space next to them for you to write the names of the people you will be calling the most.
This mobile also has GPS localisation so that your family members can find out where you are if they cannot get hold of you. Prices start at just £39.99 so it’s also a mobile phone for older people that won’t break the bank whilst still providing the functions you need. View the full range.
Alcatel OnetouchÂ
This mobile is ideal for the elderly. Much like Doro, it has huge dial buttons and a bright clear screen that has simple instructions for you to follow. Its loudspeaker system and hearing aid compatibility will help to make sure you can always hear the people you’re talking to.
The Alcatel also has a torch button. Moreover, it has a camera so that you can take photos when you’re out and about at family events. To make it easy to access, there are simple lock and unlock buttons on the side of the device, and it has long battery life so you won’t need to worry if you forget to charge every now and then.
What makes the Alcatel so good is that it’s also stylish. Many phones that are designed to be easy and simple to use aren’t always the prettiest to look at. The Onetouch comes in a sleek black finish with a curvy design.
There is even a radio for you to listen to, without having to plug any earphones into the device.
Fujitsu Stylistic S01
Specifically aimed at the elderly and technophobes, this smart little mobile phone is a simple-to-use, no frills, touchscreen device. It’s perfect for an elderly user or someone who doesn’t like getting the hang of technology, as its user interface is easy to navigate and select. It’s an Android device so has access to apps and Google, giving users the perfect opportunity to use a smartphone without all the complications.
The device comes with a responsive screen, 8MP camera, waterproofing, and is dust proof. It also has a hard casing so it won’t suffer much damage if it’s dropped. Furthermore, the device has a complete scrolling menu to stop anyone getting lost and directed to new windows.
You can read more on this smartphone’s specification here.
Personal Alarm for your Telephone
If you are looking for extra peace of mind at home then why not invest in a LifeConnect24 personal alarm. Our alarms have been designed specifically for the elderly, disabled, or for those who are living alone and would like to ensure that they will receive help if they have a fall.
Alarms come in two parts: a base unit and a pendant. You wear your pendant throughout the house and in the garden. It can be worn on the wrist or around the neck, and comes with a range of up to 600m. If you choose our digital SmartLife alarm, you will also benefit from out fastest connection speeds, for extra reassurance when you need us.
Once the alarm has been set-up, and up to six emergency contacts have been added, the user will be in the hands of our 24/7 TSA Accredited Response Team. If the user feels unwell or suffers a fall, they simply press their pendant and the Response Team will respond.
The situation is assessed and action will be taken. This commonly involves emergency contacts being sent to the alarm user’s home, or the emergency services if they are needed.
To find out more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call our helpful team on 0800 030 8999 – they are always happy to help.
See our full technology guide for older people
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 5th February 2023 to reflect current information.
