The Best Phone for the Elderly
- Large buttons can make a phone easier to use for the elderly.telephone image by MATTHIEU FABISIAK from Fotolia.com
Although there isn't one perfect phone for the elderly, there are many features that make phones easier for the elderly to use. Consider button size, text size and volume when deciding whether a phone would be useful for a senior citizen. - Large buttons are almost a must-have for elderly people. Many phones manufactured today have tiny buttons, or more frequently have only touch-screens with no buttons at all. An older individual may have various problems, such as shaking hands, arthritis or trouble seeing, that may make pushing small buttons difficult.
- Many senior citizens struggle with bad hearing. A phone with a loud speaker, both when ringing and when on a call, is essential for an elderly person's ease of use. Also, make sure the phone is compatible with hearing aids (HAC). A phone is only allowed to be sold as hearing aid compatible with a rating of M3 or M4.
- When choosing a phone for an elderly person, remember that sometimes seniors have trouble seeing. Choose a phone with a large font selection that can be adjusted, along with a screen that is large and easy to read. Many phones offer adjustable contrast settings to make it easier to read, such as putting a light colored font on a dark background.
