Today’s cellphones take pictures, play games and let you surf the Web. But the phones have tiny buttons and cramped screens that often aren’t easy for older people to use. What’s more, the more mature generation isn’t as likely to use all of the minutes and data traffic allotted in popular monthly plans from national providers such as Verizon or Cingular.
Fortunately, phones and plans geared specifically to older Americans are available. You have to look harder for them because most cellphone stores don’t advertise or sell them. Here are some options:
SafeGuardian (www.safeguardian.com): This is a service as well as a phone. The phone has only a red call button. When pressed, you are connected to a personal assistant in a call center. The assistant can dispatch emergency services to your location for free. Each phone is equipped with Global Positioning System, which will pinpoint your location.
The call center also provides non-emergency service. This includes turn-by-turn driving directions. And it can locate gas stations, medical centers, pharmacies, restaurants, lodging and other businesses. The call center also can act as a switchboard, connecting you with friends and relatives. The call center stores a list of frequently called phone numbers.
There are caveats. The $100 phone does not accept incoming calls.
Non-emergency concierge services and cellular calls cost 40 cents per minute. And a monthly service agreement costs $50. You’ll save money by signing up for a one- to three-year contract.
Jitterbug (www.gojitterbug.com): This provider sells a series of easy-to-use phones. The Jitterbug One Touch ($150) has three large buttons that instantly connect to an operator, a pre-programmed phone number or 911. The Jitterbug Dial ($150) has a numeric keypad like a normal cellphone, but it arrives with 15 pre- programmed phone numbers that you choose.
Service plans range from $10 per month for 911 service only to $40 per month for 200 anytime minutes. Additional minutes cost 25 cents per minute. You’ll receive a discount if you prepay for a year’s service.
Jitterbug is currently available only in test markets. But it plans to go nationwide this fall.
Consumer Cellular (www.consumercellular.com). This nationwide service has no service contracts and inexpensive monthly calling plans. It is not a cellular network. Instead, it buys time from national networks.
Plans range from $10 per month (all calls cost 25 cents per minute) to $60 per month for 1,600 anytime minutes. Although Consumer Cellular markets to seniors, its phones aren’t especially senior friendly. Check its website to ensure there is service in your area.
Phones for Life (www.phones4life.org): This nonprofit organization provides free cellphones to senior citizens and the disabled. The senior-friendly phones are designed only for emergency use.
Two types of services are available. One service will connect only to 911. The other service comes preloaded with 100 unlimited anytime minutes. Phones for Life will pre-program the phone with up to five personal numbers. The cellphone is assigned a phone number, so you can receive calls too.
