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SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Read our Editorial Guidelines here to learn more about our review process and to learn more about how we are compensated.
Today, 1 in 4 American adults over 65 years old are considered lonely or socially isolated.1 Lively strives to move the needle on this statistic by offering phones and medical alert devices that allow seniors to stay connected and safe without breaking the bank. As one of the only providers offering cell phones tailored to older adults with built-in medical alert capabilities, Lively is a standout in the industry.
Lively’s product lineup consists of two cell phones and one medical alert device that operate on Verizon’s network. With equipment as low as $49.99 and medical alert subscriptions starting at $24.99 per month, Lively is quite affordable compared to other providers. However, prices can increase if you want all the bells and whistles. If you opt for Lively’s top-of-the-line Premium Package, we think the comprehensive protection it gives seniors is well worth $34.99 per month. Below, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about Lively’s products, prices, and how to get the best deals.
Lively at a Glance
Mobile/cellular options only (no landline option)
Cellular coverage through Verizon network
Every device has built-in GPS
U.S.-based monitoring centers
Suite of health and safety services available for a monthly fee
Waterproof, wearable pendants
No long-term contracts
Activation fees
Seasonal promotions and discounts
Smartphone apps to help seniors stay safe and keep caregivers connected
Phones come with preloaded brain games
One-year equipment warranty
The Fast Facts: Lively’s Equipment and Pricing
Lively’s pricing and subscription options can be a bit overwhelming at first, but we’ve simplified things for you below. Keep in mind that selecting a health and safety package is required for Lively’s medical alert device, the Mobile Plus. When it comes to Lively’s phones, Jitterbug Smart3 and Jitterbug Flip2, you’ll have your choice of three phone plans, all of which feature unlimited talk and text, along with various health and safety features.
Product
Upfront equipment fee
Activation fees
Designed for
Health and safety packages
Talk, text, and/or data plan prices
Jitterbug Smart3
$149.99
$35
Smartphone use
$19.99 to $49.99 per month*
$5 to $30 per month
Jitterbug Flip2
$99.99
$35
Basic flip phone use
$19.99 to $49.99 per month*
N/A
Lively Mobile Plus
$49.99
$35
On-the-go medical alert protection
$24.99 to $34.99 per month
N/A
Lively on iPhone or Apple Watch
N/A
N/A
Access health and safety features on an iPhone or Apple Watch
$24.99 to $34.99 per month
N/A
Lively on Alexa
N/A
N/A
Access to Urgent Response on Alexa
$24.99 per month
N/A
*Includes unlimited talk and text
A Closer Look at Lively’s Systems and Value
Jitterbug Smart3: An Affordable, Simplified Smartphone
Jitterbug Smart3
With an upfront cost of $149.99, this smartphone is Lively’s premier option. It’s more affordable than many other smartphones on the market. For instance, one of Apple’s least expensive models, the iPhone SE, starts at around $429, which is almost three times the price of the Jitterbug Smart3. The talk and text plans start at $19.99 per month, and data starts at $5 per month, which is inexpensive compared to most big-name cell phone carriers.
With a large screen, intuitive menu, loud speaker, and voice typing, the Jitterbug Smart3 offers smartphone technology that caters to savvy older adults. We love that the phone has a 22-hour talk time battery life, and up to 15 day standby. It also features dual rear cameras (13MP/5MP) – perfect for taking all those pictures of grandbabies and your latest vacation! If you choose a phone plan that offers the Urgent Response feature, you’ll have access to a 24/7 emergency operator who can send help during an emergency.
Jitterbug Flip2: A Basic Flip Phone for Budget-Conscious Seniors
One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Flip2
With an equipment fee of $99.99 and talk and text plans starting at $19.99 per month, the Jitterbug Flip2 cell phone is an excellent option for older adults who want a no-frills device with affordable monthly rates. We will say the Jitterbug Flip2 is pricier than the upfront cost of other basic flip phones, like Consumer Cellular's prices for the Verve Snap, which costs $69. However, the Jitterbug Flip2 can access top-of-the-line health and safety features and reliable service that you won’t find with other flip phones, which is why we think it is worth the extra cost.
The Jitterbug Flip2 features a bright screen, loud speaker, large textured buttons, a simplified menu, brain games, and hearing aid compatibility – all designed specifically for older adults. It is available in two color options: red or graphite.This flip phone can be turned into a medical alert device with one of the provider’s top-tier phone plans. Plus, it’s the perfect size to slide into your pocket or purse for on-the-go protection.
Lively Mobile Plus: An All-in-One Medical Alert System
Our editor's grandma trying out her Lively Mobile Plus
This mobile medical alert device is perfect for older adults who want a simple way to stay protected on the go. In addition to a one-time $49.99 device fee and a $35 activation fee — depending on if you sign up on the website or with an agent — all Lively Mobile Plus users must sign up for a health and safety package, starting at $24.99 per month. This is $5 to $10 less expensive than Medical Guardian's monthly costs for similar mobile systems, so it offers good value.
This system features GPS technology, 24/7 monitoring, and up to 80 hours of battery life to keep you safe, whether you’re at the grocery store or out in the garden. Weighing in at under 2 ounces, the small waterproof product is perfect for active seniors who still drive, travel, or who don’t want to be hindered while they’re wearing a medical device! During an emergency, you can press the device’s button to connect to help straight away. If you have a history of falling, it may be worthwhile to add automatic fall detection to the system, which is available for an additional $9.99 per month.
If you don’t love your Lively system, you have 30 days to return it for a full refund, minus a small restocking fee of $10 and the price of shipping.
Lively App: Access Health and Safety Features on Your iPhone or Apple Watch
If you already have an iPhone or Apple Watch, or you’re in the market for one, you can access Lively’s health and safety features. This is an excellent choice for seniors who want medical alert features but don’t want to purchase an extra device. You can purchase a health and safety package for your Apple device from Lively ranging from $24.99 for the Basic Package to $34.99 per month for Premium. Then, you can download the Lively app on your iPhone or Apple Watch to start using your health and safety features (more details on these features in a bit)!
If you’re interested in purchasing a new Apple Watch, Lively offers an excellent deal to help you save. When you sign a one-year contract for Lively’s Premium health and safety package, you can get up to $200 off select Apple Watches at Best Buy. Talk about a deal!
Lively on Alexa: Urgent Response for Alexa-Enabled Devices
Recently, Lively partnered with Alexa, bringing their Urgent Response service to Alexa smart speaker users. If you or your loved one is at home and has an emergency, like chest pains or a fall, you can simply tell Alexa to call for help. Alexa will connect you with Lively’s emergency monitoring center. This add-on feature is an especially good fit for older adults who are homebodies. The pricing starts at $24.99 per month.
Add-On Accessories: Pricing and Features
Once you select a Lively phone or medical alert device, you’ll want to choose a health and safety package or phone plan (depending on the device) that suits your budget and protection needs. Lively offers two package options: Basic and Premium. The features and monthly prices are dependent on whether you purchase a phone or medical alert device. Below is a breakdown of the packages and the value of the features they include.
Health and Safety Packages for Lively Mobile Plus
Health and Safety Package
Basic
Premium
Included features
-Ask Lively
-Urgent Response
-Lively Link
-Urgent Response
-Lively Link
-Nurse On-Call
-Care Advocate
Price
$24.99 per month
$34.99 per month
Phone Plans for Jitterbug Smart3 and Jitterbug Flip2
Phone plan
Basic
Preferred
Premium
Included features
– Unlimited talk and text
– Ask Lively
– Lively Rides
– Unlimited talk and text
– Ask Lively
– Lively Rides
– Urgent Response
– Lively Link
– Unlimited talk and text
– Ask Lively
– Lively Rides
– Urgent Response
– Lively Link
– Care Advocate
– Nurse On-Call
Price
$19.99 per month
$39.99 per month
$49.99 per month
Urgent Response
Urgent Response gives you 24/7 access to trained emergency agents who are familiar with your personal health information. All Lively agents are based in the U.S. and certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED), the same company that certifies 911 operators. Urgent Response agents offer support in over 100 languages, which gets a big thumbs up from us.
Lively Rides
A Lively team member can schedule a Lyft ride for you whenever you need transportation.
Nurse On-Call
Have you ever wanted advice from a medical professional but didn't want to hassle with an appointment to ask a simple question? Nurse On-Call gives seniors 24/7 access to board-certified doctors and registered nurses, so you can use your Lively device to access non-emergency medical care from the comfort of your home. Doctor’s visits can be expensive, so this feature offers excellent value and accessibility to care.
Lively Link
Using the Lively Link app, caregivers can stay in the loop on their loved one’s status. Users receive instant, detailed medical alerts, GPS location, and daily activity updates on their loved one.
Ask Lively
With this concierge-like feature, seniors can access the personal operator to search for phone numbers, make a call, or get driving directions. Talk about convenience!
Care Advocate
Users work with Lively’s team of experts to create a personalized plan to work toward your health and wellbeing goals.
Fall Detection
In addition to Lively’s health and safety packages, users can add automatic fall detection to Lively Mobile Plus for $9.99 per month. This feature automatically detects a fall and tracks your location. When a fall is detected, an Urgent Response Agent is alerted and can provide you with immediate assistance. Fall detection is not available with Lively’s cell phones.
How to Get the Best Deal With Lively
Here are our top tips for getting the best deal on a Lively phone or device.
Ask customer service about any seasonal promotions Lively is running at the time of purchase. There is usually a deal that can save you up to 50 percent on the one-time product fee. As you know, we love a good deal!
Take advantage of Lively’s free shipping and 30-day return policy. Lively makes it easy to try out one of their products without much risk. If you don’t like the product, you have up to 30 days to return it and move on. Keep in mind – you will have to pay $10 for restocking.
Is Lively Right for Me?
If you’re looking for a device that keeps you connected and offers 24/7 protection, we’d recommend Lively. Their devices are small and sleek, so you won’t feel like you’re carrying around a bulky medical alert device. Compared to other flip phones and smartphones, Lively’s device fees are affordable, and we love that they’re designed specifically for older adults. The health and safety features are as simple or robust as you want and can be adjusted as your health needs change. The flexibility and personalization offered by Lively devices make them a great option for seniors needing a mobile phone, medical alert device, or both.
Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for Lively
Lively has more than 900,000 subscribers, which shows just how popular and trusted the brand is.3 Sure, you could spend a little bit less per month by purchasing an in-home Bay Alarm Medical system or a Consumer Cellular phone. But if you want mobile protection and the most bang for the buck, Lively has advanced mobile features and reliable systems, making it a solid choice.
Check out our video review of Lively’s medical alert systems for a closer look at this provider.
Yes. Lively was formerly known as GreatCall. The company still offers the same senior-friendly products and services as before; it’s just under a new brand name.
All of Lively’s products rely on Verizon’s cellular network. This provider has solid nationwide coverage, but you’ll still want to make sure that they offer reliable service in your area. You can check coverage based on your ZIP code on Lively’s website.
Linda earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University and has assisted 10,000+ seniors throughout her 25-year career. She specializes in home health care and fall prevention for seniors and has nearly three decades of experience recommending medical… Learn More About Linda Schlenker
Written By
Jeff Hoyt
Editor in Chief
As Editor-in-Chief of the personal finance site MoneyTips.com, Jeff produced hundreds of articles on the subject of retirement, including preventing identity theft, minimizing taxes, investing successfully, preparing for retirement medical costs, protecting your credit score, and making your money last… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt