Smartphone for seniors, is that really necessary?

Is a senior smartphone really needed?

Smartphones for the elderly have been a hot topic for some time now. My mother, a 78-year-old smart lady, has always struggled with new technology and it took us some time to convince her of the importance of a smartphone for seniors like her. But now that she has one, she loves it. Do the elderly really need a smartphone? Yes, a simple smartphone for seniors can be very useful. Especially because it helps them, for example, stay in touch with their grandchildren by video chatting, controlling smart devices, using GPS to navigate and monitoring health via apps. A smartphone for the elderly offers various functions that improve the quality of life. But for all these great features that can come in handy, a senior doesn't really need a super-deluxe phone. A simple smartphone for seniors also suffices. Moreover, a simple smartphone for the elderly meets all their needs.

 

Why are smartphone indispensable for seniors

Nowadays we use our smartphones for almost everything, but when choosing a smartphone for seniors, it is useful to determine its primary purpose. Additionally, figuring out what the senior will use the phone for can help you choose a good model. We have already listed the most common purposes for using a smartphone for the elderly. And these are also important reasons why a mobile phone is indispensable for a senior.

• Making phone calls in emergencies.
• Send WhatsApp messages to friends and family.
• View and send emails
• Video calling with family and friends.
• View the date and time.
• Control smart devices, such as smart thermostat, lighting and smart lock.
• Use of GPS for navigation while driving or for walking routes.
• View weather forecasts.
• Monitor health through health applications.
• Managing social media accounts.
• Access to the Internet.

 

 How many seniors use smartphones?

The use of smartphones has spread considerably and it seems like everyone has one, even among the elderly. In 2019, 85.7% of people aged 65 to 75 owned a smartphone. In the years that followed, this percentage increased further. Smartphone ownership has also increased among seniors aged 75 or older. According to the most recent figures from Statistics Netherlands, the number of seniors who own and use a smartphone continues to grow. In addition, the number of seniors active on social media has also increased enormously. Internet calling and WhatsApp use among seniors has also increased drastically during this period.

 

What are the most important functions of simple smartphone for the elderly?

There are many features of mobile phones that are specially designed to adapt to the special needs of seniors. These simple smartphones for the elderly make operating the device much easier. Do not confuse the handy smartphone for the elderly with a senior mobile phone.

 

Difference smartphone for the elderly and seniors mobile

What is the difference between a smartphone for the elderly and a mobile phone for seniors? A senior mobile phone is characterized by a clear screen with large physical buttons. You can call and text loved ones with this device, but the device does not have access to the internet. The screen itself is often small. The simple smartphone for the elderly, on the other hand, has a large, clear screen with large app icons. It gives you access to the internet and the text size can also be adjusted. It contains various applications (which you can also download), such as WhatsApp, social media apps and health apps. There are no physical keys, only via the touchscreen.

The senior-friendly features of a simple smartphone for the elderly include:

• Simple menus
• Full keyboard
• Internet access
• Larger icons, buttons and screen
• Higher volume options
• Magnifying glass
• Alerts, alarms and timers
• Emergency button
• GPS location
• Health and fitness apps

 

Top 5 benefits of smartphones for seniors

In addition to telephoning, texting, taking videos and photos, smartphones have useful practical applications. We have drawn up a top 5 benefits for the use of smartphones for the elderly.

 

1. Operating smart devices

If your senior lives alone, he or she can find it useful to install smart devices in and around Huis. You can control these smart devices with the app on the Smart Phone. A senior can therefore easily turn on and off the light, arrange the thermostat, turn on the radio and open and close the smart lock.

 

2. Smartphones give a lot of opportunity for entertainment

Smartphones can be a good tool against boredom with alone seniors living. This thanks to games, audio books, podcasts and social media that are directly available on their phone. Seniors who are visually impaired also benefit greatly from audio books and podcasts. Finally, seniors can use social media to get in touch with family and old friends via various apps, such as Facebook or Instagram.

 

3. Parts of photos and video calls

Seniors who use smartphones often feel more connected to the outside world. This is because with their smartphone they can easily take photos and videos for the elderly that they then share with their loved ones. Videobellen is also a big advantage, which makes the physical distance less large.

4. Practical apps available

Smartphones not only offer seniors for hours of entertainment, but they also make life easier and more efficient. In addition, there are practical apps available that support seniors to, for example, take the medicines on time or they warn when emergency weather is coming. These apps help seniors decide to live more confident and more independently.

5. Speech recognition commands

Most smartphones are nowadays also equipped with a virtual assistant who responds to speech commands. Speech recognition is a handy functions that helps the elderly to type messages and navigate on their own new smartphone for the elderly.

Best smartphone for the elderly buy

Do you want to buy the best smartphone for the elderly? Then you can go to Senifone. The Senifone One telephone has been specially developed for seniors and is equipped with adapted software. This is characterized by, among other things, large touchscreen buttons, a SOS button, for installed apps and very friendly to use. Setting a smartphone for seniors is simple, extensive and of course in an accessible way at Senifone. If you can't figure it out, the Senifone Helpdesk is ready for you. They will help them free of charge and remotely.

Direct order?View the Senifone S1 here

 

 Do you want to know more about the best smartphone for the elderly? Then contact our support!