It is evident that there is a digital divide with some generations that They have not adapted to the new smartphones that we have had for years, and that allow us to enjoy a digital life in which it is practically possible to do anything. 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 with the outside world, but also have sufficient resources to declare a state of emergency in case they have any 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 do 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 older person can start them without having to ask how to do it. Or writing down on a piece of paper that keyboard shortcut of the buttons that, when the time came, would be of no use.
So if you're looking for a specific phone for seniors, here they go. 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. Big buttons and keys guarantee that users do not fail when touchingr where they want to do it, so as not to get confused when dialing a phone number or choosing the correct option on the screen. If the device has physical keys, better and if not, failing that, we must find 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 get older, 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 also that it allows the installation of a messaging application that uses the entire family environment or friendship 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 older person's phone should have a good battery and, if possible, an autonomy that resists more than a day. The reason is that in many cases some users forget to leave the smartphone charging when they should and if this scenario occurs, then it would be good for it to last at least a minimum period of 48 hours continuously on. To avoid upset.
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 usual, there are a huge number of options and depending on the idea that we have, we will decide to invest more or less. In any case, in this segment you have some really interesting phones for an emergency that are cheap, 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
Then we leave you 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 phone calls and a huge SOS button on the front. This helps the elderly person to be perfectly communicated and alert to 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 view in case we need to be attentive to any 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.
See offer on AmazonFunker 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 icons on its very large interface, Android 10 inside to add any application that we need and a charging base to facilitate its use in case you want to see the television, movies or series.
On the back it has a physical SOS button that the user can hold down to activate emergency calls, making it perfect for dangerous situations. Its GPS capacity will allow the elderly person to be located exactly on the map in case you have to go looking for him.
See offer on AmazonDoro 8050
This model looks like a normal smartphone and we might think that it will not help an elderly person much. The key to this touch screen device is that it offers a specific program for emergencies. His name is Response by Doro and allows us to press a single button to start the SOS mode quickly and easily.
This device also has a large icon interface mode, for seniors, 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 stay in touch with the rest of the world and start or receive video calls.
See offer on AmazonFunker 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 which 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 It 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 assistants will know where to go. It even allows you to make video calls so you have the best of both worlds: the vintage of physical keys and the modern of apps.
See offer on Amazonartphone
And finally we bring you a phone that is just that: a mobile to make and receive calls, nothing else. It has the particularity that it has large keys, so that there are no mistakes in the keystrokes, 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 stand by for around 240 hours, that is, 10 days. Do you really need more?
See offer on Amazon
All Amazon links are part of the affiliate program that allows us to receive a small financial compensation for each sale. All the options proposed in this article have been selected by the editorial criteria of the editors with the intention of making life easier for grandparents.