Easiest Cell Phones for Seniors to Use
IRIS Flip is our top pick for easy-to-use cell phones, thanks to its affordable price, large keypad, and simple design.
SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines
- One of the few modern flip phones for under $70
- Discount available for AARP members
- Large keypad for easy typing
- Doubles as an emergency response device
- Loud speaker for easy listening
- Built-in Amazon Alexa personal assistant functionality
- Smartphone designed specifically for seniors
- Built-in medical-response capabilities
- Voice-to-text functionality
- Family and caregiver features
- Excellent security features
- Large touch-screen tablet
- M4/T4 hearing-aid compatibility
- Up to 14 hours of talk time
- Simple flip phone
Contents
Let’s face it: cell phones can be complicated. If you’re looking for a cell phone that is easy to use and doesn’t include lots of bells and whistles, you’re in the right place. We can help find the best cell phone for you! Our tech experts have compiled a list of the easiest-to-use cell phones for seniors. We evaluated each phone for its senior-friendly features, ease of use, cost, value, and more.
Top Six Easiest Cell Phones for Seniors to Use
-
Consumer Cellular IRIS Flip - Easiest-to-use budget flip phone -
Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively - Easiest to use cell phone with urgent response -
Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively - Easiest-to-Use Smartphone
-
Consumer Cellular GrandPad - Easiest-to-Use Tablet
-
TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile - Easiest-to-Use Cell Phone
Our Methodology: How We Tested and Chose the Easiest-to-Use Phones for Seniors
As SeniorLiving.org’s resident tech expert, I have tested dozens of phones for seniors. After more than 100 hours of research and testing, I created a list of the easiest-to-use cell phones for older adults. Below are the details of my testing experience.
- My team and I researched the best phones for seniors, focusing on those that are easiest to use. We perused websites, spoke with customer-service reps, and ordered our top picks.
- After I received each phone, I tested it and took notes on my experience over a weeklong period. I recruited my grandma to help me with testing whenever possible, which provided even better insight on the pros and cons of each phone for seniors.
- I evaluated each phone’s usability, size, quality, battery life, plan options, and other senior-friendly features to create our ranked results.
Our final list includes several phone styles, but they’re all simple for seniors to use. Some of the most important metrics we considered were:
- Senior-friendly features: Every phone on our list is designed to meet the needs of older adults. They have bigger buttons and icons, larger and brighter screens, adjustable speakers, optional safety features, and easy-to-grip designs.
- Usability: Our team included only phones with simple interfaces that are easy to navigate. In our book, the more straightforward a phone is, the better!
- No long-term contracts: All the phones listed offer month-to-month options for flexibility. Seniors who become more comfortable with technology can switch to a more advanced phone without costly cancellation fees. Talk about no strings attached.
-
1. Consumer Cellular IRIS Flip - Easiest-to-use budget flip phone
What we like most
- One of the few modern flip phones for under $70
- Discount available for AARP members
- Large keypad for easy typing
Consumer Cellular IRIS Flip
Testing out Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Flip
Overview
Consumer Cellular had simplicity and usability in mind when it designed the IRIS Flip phone. This flip phone is very affordable, priced at $69. It fits nicely in a purse or pocket, and it comes in classic black or a fun cherry red. I’m a big fan of the phone’s long battery life, which lasts up to 48 hours of mixed-use talk time. That’s four times longer than the Jitterbug Flip2’s talk time. Battery life is key in my book, especially if you have a hard time remembering to charge your phone like I do!
FYI: You can save up to $700 on a new phone from Consumer Cellular with an eligible smartphone trade-in.
Older adults who wear hearing aids will be pleased to know that the IRIS Flip has an M3/T3 rating, is compatible with most hearing aids, and includes Bluetooth. Older adults who still get behind the wheel can quickly answer the phone through their hearing aids hands-free. I wish the phone had a higher hearing aid rating, like the TCL FLIP Go and Jitterbug Flip2, which both have an M4/T4 designation, the highest rating possible.
» You Might Also Like: The best hearing aids in 2024
Fast Facts
Camera quality 5 MP Device cost $69 Monthly rates starting at* $20 for talk, text, and 1 GB of data Built-in health and safety features Quick-dial key for emergency contacts Cellular network Consumer Cellular Hearing aid compatibility M3/T3 rating Contracts No long-term contracts *Rates listed are for one line. Rates per line decrease as you add more lines to your plan.
Pros About Consumer Cellular IRIS Flip
- Affordable flip phone with straightforward interface
- Bluetooth compatible
- Large keypad
- Simple functionality
- Internal and external display
- Discount for AARP members
- One-touch quick dial
- Long battery life of up to 48 hours
Cons About Consumer Cellular IRIS Flip
- Consumer Cellular service required
- Low-end 5 MP camera
- No 5G connection
Senior-Friendly Design
The IRIS Flip features a 3.2-inch internal screen for easy texting and browsing, as well as a 2-inch external screen to easily read notifications or check the time or battery life. I found the screen easy to read, and it’s larger than some of Consumer Cellular’s old flip phone models, including the Verve Snap.
The external display on Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Flip
What really sets the IRIS Flip apart from many other budget-friendly flip phones is its durability. For just $69, you get a 5.22-ounce flip phone that’s easy and comfortable to hold. It features reinforced hinges so you can open and close your phone without worrying about unnecessary wear and tear. The rubberized keys are textured, which reduced the risk of my fingers slipping to the wrong buttons while I was texting or navigating the phone. The keys have an automatic backlight feature and large letters to make the phone easier to use in low-light environments. This is a big plus for seniors who struggle with poor vision. I didn’t have any issues using the phone in dark environments, but I noticed a fair amount of screen glare when I used the phone in bright sunlight while spending time in my backyard.
» Related Reading: Smartphone Apps and Resources for People With Vision Loss
Senior-Friendly Interface
As great as the IRIS Flip looks and feels on the outside, it packs even more power on the inside. It comes with KaiOS, an operating system designed specifically for phones with keypads. I was able to download KaiOS apps, browse the internet, check email, and use live maps like I would with a smartphone. It’s perfect for seniors who want both a flip phone’s ease of use and some of the more advanced features of a smartphone.
» Learn About: Best Smartphones for Seniors
The IRIS Flip’s 8 GB of storage also gives you a decent amount of space to store photos and videos. It has been a while since the KaiOS has seen an update, however, so my primary concern is the potential for security threats and deteriorating usability in the future. That could be fixed with an update, so it’s not something to worry about just yet!
Who Is IRIS Flip Best For?
- Seniors looking for a simple phone at an affordable price
- People on a budget who want unlimited talk and text
- Older adults who just want a basic flip phone without a medical alert system
- Older adults who want a simple flip phone, but with some of the basic features of a smartphone
What to Know Before Purchasing
For talk, text, and data, Consumer Cellular’s monthly rates per line decrease as you add more lines. If you want just one line, you’ll pay a slightly higher rate per line. We recommend adding one or two other people to your plan to get the most savings. Rates for one line with Consumer Cellular are still affordable compared to other major carriers, though, starting at $20 per month.
-
2. Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively - Easiest to use cell phone with urgent response
What we like most
- Doubles as an emergency response device
- Loud speaker for easy listening
- Built-in Amazon Alexa personal assistant functionality
Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Flip2
Overview
Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 has everything I was looking for in an easy-to-use flip phone with urgent-response capabilities, priced at $99.99. It features a long-lasting battery, a powerful speaker, big buttons, a large screen, and a magnifier with a flashlight. That means it’s excellent for older ears, eyes, and fingers.
The Jitterbug Flip2’s 12-hour battery life will come in handy if you have a hard time remembering to charge your devices. Just plug it in every night before bed, and you’ll be set for the entire next day. Older adults also enjoy voice control with the built-in Amazon Alexa assistant. I used it to text my friends and navigate the phone with just my voice. It was so easy to use and perfect for people with arthritis or mobility issues, like my grandma. I tested the phone’s 8 MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera. They won’t win any awards, but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality for a flip phone. For comparison, the TCL FLIP Go has only a 2 MP camera, which is much lower quality than the Flip2’s cameras.
Photo of my potted flowers taken with the Jitterbug Flip2
I also love that the Flip2 doubles as an easy-to-use medical alert system. Lively’s Preferred package ($39.99 per month) provides access to urgent response if you need help. To test the feature, I pressed the big, red Urgent Response button to connect with an IAED-certified response agent. It’s important to know, however, that urgent-response features cost extra. They’re not included in the Basic plan, which includes unlimited talk and text, as well as assistance with arranging a Lyft ride.
» Useful Resource: Transportation for Seniors
Lively often runs seasonal promotions that could help you save on its mobile devices, so be on the lookout for reduced prices!
Fast Facts
Camera quality Main camera: 8 MP; front camera: 2 MP Device cost $99.99 Monthly rates starting at $19.99 (unlimited talk and text) Cellular network Verizon Hearing aid compatibility M4/T4 rating Contracts No long-term contracts Pros About Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
- Easy to use
- Amazon Alexa voice assistant
- Powerful speaker
- Hearing-aid compatibility
- Urgent Response and Lyft connections
- Variety of health and safety packages
- Free Shipping
Cons About Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
- No internet connectivity
- Extra fee for health and safety packages
- Activation Fees
Senior-Friendly Design
The Jitterbug Flip2 features a classic flip-phone design that is slim and easy to hold. At just 4.8 ounces, it’s even lighter than Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Flip. My grandma loved the light feel, since it made it much easier to hold up the phone when taking photos and recording videos. The internal screen is 3.2 inches, which is fairly large for a flip phone.
Pro Tip: Want a senior-friendly phone plan to go with your new cell phone? Check out our list of the best phone plans for seniors.
The Jitterbug Flip2 makes it easy to access help when you need it. The Urgent Response button is bright red and located at the bottom of the keypad, so you can’t miss it. My grandma and I tested the urgent-response features, and we were able to get on the phone with an agent in less than 30 seconds. The representative was kind and patient, and it gave me peace of mind knowing my grandma could rely on them in an emergency!
The Lively Flip keypad
Senior-Friendly Interface
The Jitterbug Flip2 is extremely simple to use. When you turn on the phone, you’re presented with a list-style menu that gives you access to texts, contacts, photos, Amazon Alexa, and more. It was easy to navigate up and down using the arrows on the keypad, and my grandma knew how to use it without referencing the manual or asking any questions. It really is for people of all ages, especially those who just want a low-tech phone to stay connected. That also means, however, that it lacks some features you may expect from a modern phone, such as internet access and mobile apps.
» You Might Like: Best Medical Alert Systems
We also tested the Lively Link app, which allowed me to keep track of my grandma while she was on a walk, running errands, or at home with her Jitterbug Flip2. It showed me her location, sent messages through the app, and even received updates when we tested the urgent-response feature. It’s easy to connect using the free Lively Link app. We loved how easy it was for older adults and their family members to enjoy the health and safety features without spending a lot of time getting set up.
Testing out the Lively Link app’s location tracking feature
Who Is Jitterbug Flip2 Best For?
- Seniors who don’t want a smartphone
- Older adults who need extra safety features
- Families who want the Lively Link app to keep track of their loved one
- People looking for voice control
What to Know Before Purchasing
Lively uses the Verizon network, so it’s best for people who have reliable Verizon service in their area. Make sure you explore all the Lively plans and pricing so you don’t pay for more (or less) than you need. The Jitterbug Flip2 offers three phone plans, and they all come with unlimited talk and text, plus additional health and safety features. Prices range from $19.99 to $49.99 per month. Take some time to consider how much you plan to use the phone and what you will use it for. If you’re not interested in health and safety features, you can opt for the Basic package for $19.99 per month and use your Lively phone to simply text, call, and use the standard features.
You can read our Jitterbug Flip2 review for a closer look at our experience.
-
3. Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively - Easiest-to-Use Smartphone
What we like most
- Smartphone designed specifically for seniors
- Built-in medical-response capabilities
- Voice-to-text functionality
Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively
Testing out Lively’s Jitterbug Smart4
Overview
Smartphones are now more popular among seniors than regular cell phones1 it’s all thanks to smartphones like the Jitterbug Smart4, aka the simplest smartphone ever. Its large 6.75-inch screen features a simple, list-based menu with a powerful speaker and long-lasting battery. My grandma and I could easily navigate among email, maps, camera, text messages, and more. A front-facing speaker and camera make video chatting simple. No more awkward video calls where you see your grandkids and they see your carpet.
The Jitterbug Smart4 is excellent for older adults who want to dip their toes into smartphone tech for the first time without being overwhelmed by complicated features. With a powerful speaker and a built-in, voice-activated assistant, this smartphone provides both simple and advanced features.
» Dive Deeper: Jitterbug Smart4 Review
The Jitterbug Smart4 offers the same health and safety features as the Jitterbug Flip2, so it’s great for people who want to stay connected and protected with one sleek device. Check out our Lively phone review for the inside scoop on our experience with the carrier.
Fast Facts
Camera quality Triple rear cameras: 13 MP/2 MP/2 MP; front camera: 8 MP Device cost $149.99 Monthly rates starting at $19.99 (unlimited talk and text); $5 (1 GB data) Cellular network Verizon Hearing aid compatibility M3/T4 Rating Contracts No long-term contracts Pros About Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively
- Large 6.75-inch screen that’s easy to read
- Voice typing for seniors who find it hard to text
- Video-chat capabilities
- Triple-camera system for high-quality photos
- 24/7 urgent response
- Internet access
- Simple list-style menu
- Free shipping
Cons About Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively
- Urgent response and safety features cost extra
- $35 additional activation fee
Senior-Friendly Design
The Jitterbug Smart4 has a standard smartphone design, which also means it’s a bit larger than most flip phones. My grandma and I found that the 6.75-inch screen is large, bright, and easy to read. My grandma is an iPhone owner, and she felt like the screen size and readability were pretty comparable. The size also means, however, that it’s a bit heavier (6.7 ounces). The weight shouldn’t be an issue for most older adults, but my grandma definitely noticed a difference when holding up the phone for more than a few minutes at a time.
My grandma trying out the Jitterbug Smart4
It’s definitely not the heaviest smartphone on the market, though, and the slim design is both comfortable to store in your pocket or handbag and durable enough to withstand minor falls. Speaking of falls, although the Smart4 is strong enough to withstand wear and tear, it does not have fall detection. If you want something with fall detection, consider the Lively Mobile+ device or another medical alert system.
» Learn More: Best Medical Alert Systems With Fall Detection
Senior-Friendly Interface
Even if you don’t feel entirely comfortable with a smartphone, the Jitterbug Smart4 is an easy-to-learn phone. My grandma and I are both accustomed to touch screens, so navigating Lively’s standard list-style menu felt even easier and more fluid to use than it does on the Jitterbug Flip2. Since you only have to scroll up and down and press the menu item you want, it’s very simple to pick up and start using in a matter of minutes.
Just like the Jitterbug Flip2, the Smart4 is compatible with Lively Link to make it easy for family members to stay in touch and track the health and safety of their loved ones. The smartphone also has the best camera quality on our list, with a triple-rear-camera system and front selfie camera. My iPhone takes higher-quality photos, but the Smart4’s quality was still decent.
Photo taken on the Jitterbug Smart4
One drawback to note: The Jitterbug Smart4 can be pretty laggy. There were many instances when I had to press a button several times before the phone responded. If you’re looking for something fast, I recommend considering a different smartphone. With a little patience, however, the phone offers a host of senior-friendly features that make it worth it.
Who Is Jitterbug Smart4 Best For?
- Seniors looking for an easy-to-use smartphone
- Seniors who want a hybrid phone and personal safety device
- Families who want the Lively Link app to keep an eye on their loved one
- Older adults who want internet access and voice-typing capabilities
What to Know Before Purchasing
Check Verizon coverage in your area before you choose the Jitterbug Smart4, since Lively uses Verizon’s network. Also make sure a touch-screen smartphone is really what you want. Priced at $149.99, the smartphone costs more than the Jitterbug Flip2 and could be a bit of a jump for older adults who have never used a touch-screen device. If using your mobile phone exclusively for texting and calling is more your style, there’s no need to spend the extra money on a smartphone with features you won’t use. On the other hand, if you want a simple smartphone that’s more affordable than others on the market, it may be the right choice.
-
4. Consumer Cellular GrandPad - Easiest-to-Use Tablet
What we like most
- Family and caregiver features
- Excellent security features
- Large touch-screen tablet
Consumer Cellular GrandPadOverview
Consumer Cellular’s GrandPad — the only tablet to make our list — merges modern technology with senior-friendly features, such as a large screen, stylus, large icons, and apps that keep families connected. It also features a camera, video calls, and email. The senior-friendly tablet is a great option for older adults who spend a lot of time at home and get frustrated with small phone buttons and screens. The tablet’s call and video chat functionality makes it easy and safe to stay connected with approved contacts. This means it’s perfect for less tech-savvy users and those with memory loss.
» Helpful Guide: Senior safety
What makes the GrandPad stand out from other tablets is the GrandPad Central app, which was designed specifically for seniors and their families. One member — in this case, me — acts as an administrator, controlling who can connect with the GrandPad. I was able to invite family members and friends to download the app, and then upload photos to the GrandPad, send messages, and video chat. The GrandPad’s large size and case also make it easy to grip for older hands, and the large screen is perfect for people with vision loss. Consumer Cellular offers a 30-day risk-free trial, so your loved one can return it if they aren’t satisfied.
Fast Facts
Camera quality Rear: 5 MP; front: 5 MP Device cost $299 Monthly rates starting at* $40 per month Built-in health and safety features Secure network for online safety Cellular network Consumer Cellular Contracts No long-term contracts Pros About Consumer Cellular GrandPad
- Large touch screen with stylus
- Secure connection with friends and loved ones
- 4G LTE compatible
- No Wi-Fi required
- Loud, clear dual speakers
- Front- and rear-facing cameras
- Wireless cradle for easy charging
- Long battery life
Cons About Consumer Cellular GrandPad
- Can only connect with approved contacts
- Doesn’t have the same portability as a mobile phone
Senior-Friendly Design
The GrandPad’s large screen (8 inches) makes it ideal for people who enjoy the convenience of big screens. My grandma liked the added touch of a stylus, since it felt like using a pen to press the large icons and navigate between screens.
Navigating Consumer Cellular’s GrandPad with the stylus
She often used the GrandPad on her lap, on a table, or propped up on the charging stand, though, because it was too heavy for her to hold up for more than a few minutes. At 2.2 pounds, the GrandPad is definitely a chunky device. It’s meant to be held with two hands and comes with a stand, though, so it’s manageable for seniors who are accustomed to holding tablets. If you want a much larger screen and you don’t mind a device that requires two hands, the GrandPad is a great option with a sleek, modern, and durable design.
Senior-Friendly Interface
I loved how easy it was to navigate the GrandPad’s menus. The icons for email, photos, and more were enormous, and they could easily be tapped or navigated with the stylus. The one aspect of the GrandPad that my grandma didn’t like was the need for an administrator. Having a loved one approve contacts can help keep you safe from scammers, but it can also greatly limit who you can contact. It’s perfect for older adults who just want to video chat with the grandkids or stay updated with a few friends, but it’s not the device for you if you want to make calls and send texts to anyone at your leisure. You can visit our full GrandPad review to learn more about the easy-to-use tablet.
» Learn More: Highest-Ranked Identity Theft Protection for Seniors
Who Is GrandPad Best For?
- Users who want a senior-friendly tablet
- Older adults who spend a lot of time at home
- Families concerned about internet safety for seniors
- Seniors who feel isolated and are looking for a way to stay connected with family
What to Know Before Purchasing
The GrandPad isn’t a cell phone; it’s a tablet. You can’t use it to send SMS messages or make calls to phone numbers that aren’t on your approved contacts list. With the GrandPad, you just get unlimited data use, ad-free music streaming, video calling, secure internet browsing, and mobile access with the smartphone app. That won’t be an issue if you just want to communicate with close friends and family, but it’s important to note.
Wondering how Consumer Cellular ranks as a carrier? Our Consumer Cellular review covers the important details.
-
5. TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile - Easiest-to-Use Cell Phone
What we like most
- M4/T4 hearing-aid compatibility
- Up to 14 hours of talk time
- Simple flip phone
TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
Overview
If you want some of the useful features of a smartphone without the frills of an actual smartphone, the TCL FLIP Go may be just what you’re looking for. Priced at $96, the pocket-size flip phone has some high-tech features, such as mobile hotspot and email capabilities. It’s also great for older adults who are new to mobile devices, thanks to its large buttons, simple menu, and intuitive design. The balance of simplicity and modern technology at a great price is why the TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile debuted as one of our top picks for seniors.
We can’t mention the company without acknowledging T-Mobile’s competitive pricing and unique 55-plus plans. That’s right, T-Mobile designed plans specifically with the budgets and lifestyles of older adults in mind! With plans starting at $45 a month for one line and nationwide availability, I was impressed with the provider’s effort to serve seniors with extra perks and affordable plans. I enjoyed the perks — including free in-flight, international, and hotspot data — when testing the plans. Read our full review of T-Mobile’s 55-plus plans for more details.
Overview of Offerings
Camera quality 2 MP Device cost $96 Monthly rates starting at $45 to $80 per month (for one line) Cellular network T-Mobile Hearing aid compatibility M4/T4 rating Contracts No long-term contracts Pros About TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
- Affordable flip phone with simple user interface
- Internal and external display
- Large keypad
- M4/T4 hearing-aid compatibility
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Mobile hotspot
- 14 hours of talk time
Cons About TCL FLIP Go from T-Mobile
- Low-end 2 MP camera
- Limited features
Senior-Friendly Design
Like the IRIS Flip, the TCL FLIP Go is a small but durable flip phone that can handle the wear and tear of daily usage. It’s easy to open and close, and the large buttons are clearly marked. The 2.8-inch internal screen is on the small side, which made it slightly difficult for my grandma to read texts without moving the phone a few inches from her face. The external screen is also just 1.44 inches, but since it serves only to provide basic information and notifications, the size was not a major issue for either of us.
Pro Tip: Our cell phones for seniors buyer’s guide has everything you need to know about how to choose a phone that meets your needs before making a purchase.
The biggest flaw in the design is the low-resolution camera. I was not impressed with the quality of photos, which came out fairly grainy. Compared to phones like the Jitterbug Smart4, its camera is nothing to write home about.
Senior-Friendly Interface
The TCL FLIP Go is easy to use. It does, however, have a small learning curve, since you have to set up shortcut keys to bring up your most-used contacts with the push of a button. Otherwise, I thought the phone was a breeze to use and pretty fast and responsive for a budget-friendly flip phone. The downside is that it doesn’t have many extra features. I could send and receive texts, make calls, check my email, and use it as a hotspot for my computer or tablet, but that’s about it. The TCL FLIP Go is designed for people who just want a simple flip phone that doesn’t tack on a lot of unnecessary extras.
Who Is TCL FLIP Go Best For?
- Seniors who want a flip phone with some modern capabilities
- Older adults on a budget
- Couples who want the benefits of T-Mobile’s 55-plus plans
- Seniors with diminished eyesight
- People who mainly use their mobile phone for texting and calling
What to Know Before Purchasing
The TCL FLIP Go doesn’t have the best camera. You’ll be able to take photos of your sweet grandkids or furry friends, but they won’t be very high quality. For seniors who plan to use their mobile device primarily for texting and phone calls, the TCL FLIP Go will be sufficient.
To get the most bang for your buck with any T-Mobile phone, I recommend adding an extra line to your plan. T-Mobile gives a significant discount when you add a second line, and I love a good discount! On T-Mobile’s Essentials Choice 55 plan, one line is $45 per month and two lines are $60 per month ($30 per line). T-Mobile charges some extra taxes and fees, so factor that in when you’re considering monthly charges.
Senior-Friendly Features to Look for in a Cell Phone
Shopping for a cell phone can feel overwhelming, especially with all the options and features available. But don’t worry! We’ve compiled all our favorite senior-friendly cell phone features so you can narrow down your options.
- Hearing-aid compatibility: If you’re in the process of choosing hearing aids or you already have them, look for a phone that’s hearing-aid compatible with a high rating. That will make it much easier to make calls and stream music and other entertainment directly to your hearing aids.
- Simple navigation: The simpler the navigation menu, the better. If the phone is easy to navigate, you or your loved one will be more likely to use it. We love phones with list-style menus, large and clear icons, and intuitive layouts.
- Large screen and font: Large screens and font options are easier on seniors’ aging eyes.
- Large buttons: Dexterity declines as you age, so look for phones with large buttons or large touch-screen icons that are easy to press.
- Powerful speaker: A loud, adjustable speaker is a must, especially if you’ve already been diagnosed with hearing loss.
- Easy-to-grip design: For people with arthritis or other dexterity issues, it’s essential that the phone is easy to grip and won’t be easily dropped, which could damage the device. If you drop your phone, you’ll need to bend down to pick it up, which can put you at risk of falling. Prioritize phones with an easy-to-grip design or add a grippy case.
- Safety features: Not every emergency requires a trip to the emergency room, but you’re more likely to be involved in safety and health-related emergencies as you age.2 Whether it is an urgent-response button, fall detection, or GPS capability, mobile safety features can be extremely beneficial if you find yourself in an unsafe situation. The extra layer of protection also provides you and your loved ones with peace of mind.
Money-Saving Tip: Snag some extra savings on senior cell phones and plans by becoming an AARP member! Learn more by reading our guide to AARP membership.
FAQs About Cell Phones for Seniors
-
Why should seniors have a cell phone?
Seniors need cell phones for medical emergencies, staying connected with friends and family, and staying safe in and outside the home. For older adults who live alone and plan to age in place, a cell phone can be a means of socialization and safety.
-
What are the different types of cell phones for seniors?
Companies make flip phones, smartphones, bar or brick phones, and tablets for seniors. Seniors can also choose between a phone-only mobile device or one that doubles as a personal safety device.
-
Are big-button phones good for seniors?
Yes, big buttons make it easier for older adults to navigate their phones, especially if they have limited dexterity.
AARP (2020). Older Adults Keep Pace on Tech Usage.
CDC (2020). Emergency Department Visits Among Adults Aged 60 and Over.