It's clear that a digital divide exists with some generations who haven't adapted to the new smartphones we've had for years, which allow us to enjoy a digital life where practically anything is possible. From transferring money to shopping in online stores, ordering a taxi, watching movies or series, and of course, communicating quickly with anyone in the world in just a few seconds.
The digital gap
Many seniors feel excluded from technological advancements and need special devices to carry a tool that not only keeps them connected to the outside world but also has sufficient resources to declare an emergency in case of any accident, serious or not. With all this in mind, it's clear that at certain ages, the mobile phones needed must have very specific features, which we will explain below.
What is the best mobile for an elderly person?
On paper, any smartphone should be suitable for seniors, but in most cases, the most important functions are hidden behind procedures that border on the absurd. It's true that almost all phones allow you to activate an SOS mode, but very few do so in a way that an older person can initiate without having to ask how. Or having to write down a shortcut of button presses that, when the time comes, will be useless.
So if you're looking for a phone specifically for seniors, here are some recommendations you absolutely must consider.
Large keys and buttons
It's no longer a question of having better or worse eyesight. Large buttons and keys ensure that users don't miss their intended touches, preventing confusion when dialing a phone number or selecting the correct option on the screen. Physical keys are preferable; otherwise, the interface should be adaptable, featuring large, color-coded on-screen controls with clear instructions explaining their functions.
panic buttons
We all know that as older people get older, they are more likely to experience falls or other risky situations, so it's essential to have a phone where an emergency call can be activated without having to learn complicated iOS or Android shortcuts. If we want it to be truly useful, the model we buy should have a physical button, preferably a bright red one, to clearly indicate where to press in case of emergency.
WhatsApp and other applications
It's important that the phone offers different communication options. Voice calls are essential, but it's also important that it allows the installation of a messaging app used by the senior's family and friends. WhatsApp is likely the top choice , so when buying a phone, remember to ask if that model is compatible. Facebook and video calls are also important features.
Battery autonomy
The phone for the elderly person should have a good battery and, ideally, enough power to last more than a day . The reason is that many users forget to charge their smartphones when they should, and if that happens, it's best if the battery lasts for at least 48 hours on a single charge. This will prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Price
It's important that the smartphone isn't too expensive, or that it doesn't cost much to repair in case of damage or accident. As always, there are a huge number of options , and depending on what you have in mind, you'll decide how much to invest. In any case, in this segment, you'll find some really interesting phones for emergencies that are incredibly cheap, as well as more expensive ones that you probably won't care about because you won't use most of the extra features.
The best mobiles for grandparents in 2022
Here are five models you can buy right now for less than 120 euros:
SPC APolo
This model is a smartphone with physical buttons for answering and making calls, and a large SOS button on the front . This helps seniors stay connected and alert in case of an emergency. The 5-inch touchscreen offers an interface with large buttons for easy use. It runs Android 10 and allows you to install WhatsApp or any other social media app you might need, as well as make video calls.
To facilitate charging, it features a base that keeps the screen visible in case you need to check notifications or make phone calls at home. Everything about this SPC Apolo is designed to help seniors have an accessible device with excellent battery life.
See offer on AmazonFunker E500I Easy
Funker is a company focused on especially affordable devices, and this model is proof of that. It features physical buttons for answering calls , a 5,5-inch full-color touchscreen with large icons on its interface, Android 10 built-in so you can add any app you need, and a charging cradle for easy use if you want to watch TV, movies, or series.
On the back, it features a physical SOS button that the user can press and hold to activate emergency calls, making it perfect for dangerous situations. Its GPS capability allows for the precise location of the elderly person on a map should a search and rescue operation be necessary.
See offer on AmazonDoro 8050
This model looks just like a regular smartphone, and you might think it wouldn't be very helpful for an elderly person . However, the key to this touchscreen device is its dedicated emergency program. Called Response by Doro , it allows you to quickly and easily activate SOS mode with the touch of a single button.
This device also has a large icon interface mode, for seniors, which allows them to decide which apps they will have in view at all times to enter them with a few clicks. Of course it is possible to configure WhatsApp or Facebook to stay in touch with the rest of the world and start or receive video calls.
See offer on AmazonFunker C135I
Many older people did get used to using mobile phones at the beginning of this century, in the 2000s, when devices with physical keys were commonplace. So this model is a tribute to those classic phones , which are surely more useful than new smartphones for some users. That's why we're bringing you this phone with an AMOLED screen, charging cradle, and the option to install WhatsApp to stay in touch with all your contacts quickly and easily.
This model features a physical SOS button on the back, which, when pressed and held, allows the senior to request help in an emergency. Furthermore, thanks to its GPS, emergency responders will know exactly where to go. It even allows for video calls, offering the best of both worlds: the vintage feel of physical buttons and the modern convenience of apps.
See offer on Amazonartphone
And finally, we bring you a phone that is just that: a mobile phone for making and receiving calls , nothing more. It features large keys to prevent accidental presses, as well as an SOS button on the back. It also includes an FM radio, alarm clock, Bluetooth, and even a calculator, and its battery allows it to stay on standby for around 240 hours, that is, 10 days. Do you really need more?
See offer on Amazon
All Amazon links are part of the affiliate program that allows us to receive a small financial compensation for each sale. All the options proposed in this article have been selected by the editorial criteria of the editors with the intention of making life easier for grandparents.