It is clear that there is a digital divide with some generations that have not adapted to the new smartphones that we have had for years, and that allow us to enjoy a digital life in which practically anything can be done. From transferring money to shopping in virtual stores, ordering a taxi, watching movies or series and, of course, quickly communicating with anyone in the world in just a few seconds.
The digital gap
Many older people feel excluded from this technological evolution 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 a state of emergency in case they have any problems. accident, serious or not. With all this on the table, it is clear that at certain ages the mobiles that are needed must have very specific characteristics that we are going to explain below.
What is the best mobile for an elderly person?
On paper, any smartphone should be suitable for use by older people, but in most cases the most important functions are hidden behind procedures that become insane. It is true that with almost all mobiles we can activate an SOS mode, but very few do it in such a way that an elderly person can start them without having to ask how to do it. Or writing down on a piece of paper that shortcut of pressing the buttons that, when the time comes, would be of no use.
So if you are looking for a specific phone for the elderly, here are a series of recommendations that you should take into account yes or yes.
Large keys and buttons
It is no longer a question of having a better or worse view. Large buttons and keys ensure that users never fail to touch where they want to, so they don’t get confused when dialing a phone number or choosing the right option on the screen. If the device has physical keys, better and if not, failing that, we must seek that the interface is capable of adapting with huge screen controls, well differentiated by color and with very precise indications of what they are for.
panic buttons
We all know that older people, as they age, are more likely to fall or risk situations, so it is mandatory to have a phone where that distress call can be activated without having to learn complicated iOS or Android shortcuts . If we want it to be really useful, the model we buy must have a physical button and, if possible, a bright red color that indicates that this is where we have to press in an emergency.
WhatsApp and other applications
It is important that the phone has different ways of communication. Voice calls are essential, but it is also possible to install a messaging application that uses the entire family or friendship environment of the elderly person. WhatsApp is surely the main option , so when buying a phone remember to ask if that model is compatible. Or also with Facebook and video calls.
Battery autonomy
The elderly person’s phone must have a good battery and, if possible, with autonomy that lasts more than a day . The reason is that in many cases some users forget to leave the smartphone charging when they should and if that scenario occurs, then it would be good if it at least lasts a minimum period of 48 hours continuously on. To avoid disappointment.
Price
It is important that the smartphone is not too expensive, or that it does not cost much to repair in the event of a breakdown or accident. As always, there are a huge number of options and depending on the idea we have, we will decide to invest more or less. Anyway, in this segment you have some really interesting phones for an emergency that are overpriced, as well as other more expensive ones that you probably don’t care about because most of the extra features are not going to be used.
The best mobiles for grandparents in 2022
Here are five models that you can buy right now for less than 120 euros:
SPC APolo
This model is a smartphone with physical keys to pick up or make a phone call and a huge SOS button on the front . This helps the elderly person to be perfectly communicated and alert in the face of any emergency. The 5-inch screen is touchscreen and offers an interface with large buttons to facilitate tasks. It is equipped with Android 10 and we can install WhatsApp or any other social media app that we need as well as make video calls.
To facilitate the charging process, it has a base that keeps the screen in sight in case we need to be attentive to a notification, or to talk on the phone at home. Everything in this SPC Apolo is focused on helping the elderly to have an accessible device with a lot of autonomy.
Funker E500I Easy
Funker is a company focused on especially accessible devices and this model is proof of that. It has physical buttons to pick up the phone , a 5.5-inch full color touch screen and very large icons on its interface, Android 10 inside to add any application we need and a charging base to facilitate its use in case that he is wanted to watch television, movies or series.
On the back there is a physical SOS button that the user can press and hold to activate emergency calls, making it perfect for dangerous situations. Its GPS capacity will allow you to locate the elderly person exactly on the map in case you have to go looking for them.
gold 8050
This model has all the appearance of a normal smartphone and we might think that it will not help an elderly person too much . The key to this touch screen device is that it offers a specific program for emergencies. Its name is Response by Doro and it allows us to press a single button to start the SOS mode quickly and easily.
This device also has an interface mode with large icons, for older people, 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 keep in touch with the rest of the world and initiate or receive video calls.
Funker C135I
There are many older people who did get used to using mobile phones at the beginning of this century, in the 2000s, when devices with physical keys abounded. So this model is a tribute to those classics that are surely more useful than the new smartphones for some users. That is why we bring you this terminal with an AMOLED screen, a charging base and the possibility of installing WhatsApp to maintain communication with all your contacts quickly and easily.
This model has a physical SOS button on the back, which by holding down the elderly person can request help in an emergency. In addition, since it has GPS, the assistance will know where to go. It even allows you to make video calls so it has the best of both worlds: the vintage of physical keys and the modern of apps.
artfone
And finally we bring you a phone that is just that: a mobile to make and receive calls , nothing more. It has the peculiarity that it has large keys, so that there are no failures when pressing, as well as an SOS button on the back. It also includes FM radio, alarm clock, Bluetooth and even a calculator, and its battery allows it to standby for around 240 hours, that is, 10 days. Do you really need more?
