Cell phone companies are beginning to market wireless phones for seniors. These phones are designed to be easy to use, even for those who may be technically challenged.
What is a Wireless Phone

Wireless phones are pocket-sized, cordless phones that can be taken almost anywhere. They are actually two-way radios. When you talk, your voice is converted into radio waves to a nearby base station.

Wireless phones are popular because they allow you to stay in contact with friends and family all over the United States. Some cell phones allow you to communicate internationally or as you travel the world. You keep the same phone number no matter if you are in Florida, Iowa, or Africa.

Cell phones are regulated by both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA ensures that all the phones sold in the U.S. meet safety guidelines that limit radiofrequency (RF) energy. They also monitor the health effects of cell phone usage.

Cell Phone Safety and Benefits

Cell phones offer many benefits in addition to the ability to chat. Cell phones also offer a form of safety. If you are in a car accident or lost, a cell phone can be a lifeline to help. In cases of power outages or severe weather, a cell phone is your only communication with the outside world.

Wireless phones also enable you to keep in touch with loved ones. You can go out and enjoy yourself without worrying about missing an important call. This can come in handy when waiting for a doctor to call or traveling in your RV.

Wireless phones can also offer a surprising benefit in the case of senior exercise. Imagine you take a leisurely stroll, then realize you lack the energy to walk back. With a wireless phone, you can call someone to pick you up. Cell phone access helps reduce stress by letting you know that you can call for help at anytime.

Good Wireless Phones for Seniors

Many of the popular styles of cell phones are difficult to use for seniors. They have small buttons and a hard to read display. The ever-changing, always improving features result in a steep learning curve. Thankfully, wireless phones designed specifically for seniors are beginning to hit the market.

Greatcall
Greatcall is a company that focuses on wireless phones for seniors. The phones, called Jitterbug, are manufactured by Samsung. Jitterbug is one of the only wireless phones for seniors, designed specifically with older people in mind. This phone is simpler than the current new trend phones. The features include:

Larger buttons which are easier to dial
Dial tone when dialing out, making it less confusing for seniors
Bright screen display with easy to read text
Louder and clearer sounds than found with regular cell phones
Call direct feature: dials a number at the push of a button, or a Jitterbug operator will dial for you
Greatcall offers inexpensive service plans
Jitterbug comes in two different models:

Jitterbug Dial
Jitterbug Dial is a basic, easy-to-use cell phone which allows you to make calls to anyone you choose, and offers simple "yes" and "no" buttons.

Jitterbug OneTouch
The Jitterbug OneTouch is a wireless phone designed for seniors afraid of technology. Instead of your standard keypad, it offers three one-touch buttons that connect the user to a carrier operator, emergency services, and any phone number you choose.

SafeGuardian™ One Button GPS Cell Phone
If Jitterbug is too complicated, SafeGuardian offers a one button cell phone. A personal assistant is on duty to take your calls and can connect you to anyone in the world.

LG Phones
Though LG Phones does not offer a line of wireless phones for seniors, they come highly recommended if you are looking for something a little more complex. Some of the units have larger buttons and display units than the mainstream phones.

Phones like the LG LX350 from Sprint received good reviews as a simple phone that is easy to use.

Choosing a Carrier

Now that you have decided on a phone, you need to choose phone service, known as a carrier. Your main carriers include:

Verizon
Cingular
Sprint
Alltel
T-Mobile
Before purchasing the perfect wireless phones for seniors, choose the carrier that offers the best deal for you. Certain cell phones are only available through certain service plans, so that may be a deciding factor. Look closely at:

Monthly cost
Contract length
Phone credit: Money towards purchasing a phone
Minutes
Roaming fees: Charges while traveling and out of cell tower range
Over minute charges
Early cancellation fees
Number portability: Option to transfer your phone number to a different cell phone carrier
Features: If you want to take advantage of the high tech phones
Accessories

When purchasing your phone, there are numerous accessories you can purchase, including:

Blue Tooth or a hands-free device
Battery charger
Extra battery
Case
Belt clip
Car holder
Wireless phones for seniors are a great idea. Not only do they offer you safety, they offer you the opportunity to keep up with the quickly changing world.9dfb35f104689ca7efd43450d384d6ca.js" "">