You may be happy that phones are getting smarter and more feature-packed every day, but they are also becoming more and more complicated. And while it may not be much of a bother for you, spare a thought about the elderly population, who need senior mobile phones, now more than ever.
Elderly people are often flummoxed by the complex operations of modern day mobile phones and so, cannot use them properly. Ironically, they need the mobile phone more than many others, to call for help in case of an emergency.
Thankfully some mobile phone manufacturers have identified this need and have chosen to make phones specifically for this neglected demographic. These phones include basic features only, that is the ability to make and receive calls, save numbers and type text messages.
Other utility features such as a calendar, an alarm clock and built in LED flashlight may also be there. So, there is no way you can call these phones feature-packed.
And senior mobile phones need not be feature packed. Very often, with age various diseases and natural degeneration sets in. The senses become weaker and motor skills are no longer sharp. That is why most seniors are not well equipped to use slick features that require proper hand-eye coordination, good vision, good hearing and nimble fingers.
What seniors need is the simple ability to talk to their loved ones whenever they want. The louder than usual speakers of these specially designed mobile phones allows them just that.
Some phones also have a special emergency button, which can be preprogrammed with one number which the elderly person can reach with the push if that button, in times of emergency.
More cell phone manufacturers should definitely come forward to help out the elderly with new designs and innovations to make their life easier. There is still a lot of room for improvement as far as senior mobile phones are concerned.
Martin Elmer is the editor of Senior mobil. Here you can also read about Ældre mobil.