As cell phones continue to shrink and their functions expand, they become increasingly inaccessible for millions of those with even a mild decline in vision, motor skills, or hearing. In addition, the associated cell phone plans are so complex that anyone who would benefit from having a cell phone for limited use, such as family communication and emergency use only, are deterred from making a commitment to such services. Obviously, there are a significant number of older individuals who fall into this category of people; those who could live more independently or more safely with such services but are limited by the complexity of the devices and the plans.

The need to offer cell phones and cell phone plans better suited to those older individuals who encounter difficulty with the average device is slowly being recognized, giving options and hope to such users and those who may care for them. A year or two ago GreatCall introduced the Jitterbug, a cell phone designed with the needs of many older individuals in mind. The Jitterbug posseses larger buttons, big fonts on a more visible screen, good volume, and simplified, easy to understand functions. The phone is designed for the purpose of sending and receiving voice calls and messages minus many of the functions that complicate other cell phones and are generally not desired by many older users. Jitterbug phones even come complete with 24 hour operator assistance as needed to place calls or add individuals to a users personalized phone list.

In addition, the Jitterbug offers cell phones plans that are affordable as well as comprehensible. There are a handful of plans to choose from but all offer calling that costs the same whenever and where ever a user calls and eliminate roaming, long distance, and time of day restrictions. None of the plans require a long term contract or termination fees and start as low as $10/per month.

The Jitterbug however, has perhaps made another significant contribution to the evolution of cell phones and cell phone plans. It would appear that other manufacturers have taken notice and are awakening to the needs of this segment of the population, and the needs of all of those who would prefer more simplicity.

Verizon recently rolled out the “Wireless Coupe” a cell phone targeted toward the older population. Certainly, this phone is a step forward although perhaps a bit more complex than the Jitterbug. With large buttons and big screen font, some “in case of emergency” buttons for single button dialing, and a discounted rate plan for those who use less talk time and have a fixed income it certainly is a step in the right direction. The cost of the phone is a mere $19.99 but requires a 2 year contract. Verizon’s America’s Choice 65 Plus cell phone plans are a compliment to their “Wireless Coupe”. The two options include a single line plan which provides 200 anytime minutes and 500 night and weekend minutes for $29.99 and a two line plan with 450 anytime minutes and 100 night and weekend minutes for $59.99. Clearly, these plans are a bit more complex than the Jitterbug plans but should still be attractive to anyone who is seeking an option that is more appropriate and accessible for people needing basic calling functions only.

Further evidence of the growing awareness of the need for simplicity and affordability is a cell phone plan AT&T announced a short time ago. AT&T’s Senior Nation 200 Plan provides users with 200 anytime minutes, 500 Nights & Weekend minutes, and unlimited in network mobile-to-mobile calling all for $29.99/month.

Although these recent entrants may not offer perfect solutions, they are certainly an indication that calls for more basic cell phones and cell phone plans are not falling on deaf ears. With more players recognizing the need to market to this segment of the population, consumers are bound to benefit as competition begins to heat up. If you are shopping for cell phone plans or cell phones learn all you can by going to homemedias.info, the author’s home electronics store where you can also shop for the services you want.Wordpress Autoblogging Software

There are of course, many individuals over the age of 65 who are tech savvy enough and posses the dexterity to easily handle modern cell phones. However, for many others, cell phones are difficult to manipulate because of their tiny size and miniscule buttons, intimidating because of confusing commands and menus, difficult to see, or hard to hear. To make matters worse, many seniors simply want a phone to be a phone, and don’t find the multitude of functions that cell phones have to be of use.

There are however, more viable options for seniors looking for a cell phone. A couple of years ago GreatCall, Inc developed a simple cell phone for seniors with the sole purpose of handling voice calls and messages; eliminating many of the functions and buttons that have nothing to do with this purpose. They developed the Jitterbug. The Jitterbug clears up confusing cell phone commands and menus by using basic yes/no questions instead. The Jitterbug cell phones even use a dial tone just like traditional land line phones and provide 24 hour operator assistance as needed. Jitterbug operators can assist in making calls, provide directory assistance, or even add names to a personalized phone list if necessary.

The Jitterbug cell phone models are a tremendous improvement over most models on the market for those with a loss of visual acuity. This cell phone for seniors has larger buttons, with larger print both on the buttons and on the screen. In addition, buttons are backlit, and screen brightness is greater than that on a traditional cell phone. The Jitterbug even offers an option for voice activated dialing to bypass the need for punching buttons altogether.

Jitterbug cell phones are also a good choice for those with hearing impairment as their padded ear cushion and clamshell design allows users to hold it more securely to their ear to block out

background noise. In addition, the Jitterbug uses a powerful speaker and provides users better volume control to adjust to their individual needs. All Jitterbug cell phone models are also hearing aid compatible which reduces the interference that can occur between the electronic components of a hearing aid and a cell phone when in close proximity.

There are two Jitterbug models, one suited for those who truly want an emergency only phone and one for more routine use. The “Dial” possesses a numeric keypad giving the user typical calling and messaging abilities. For those with more limited needs the “One Touch” provides a button each for access to 911 services, the operator, and a direct dial button for single button dialing.

Jitterbug cell phones do not offer video capabilities, MP3 or camera functions, internet access, or many of the other features that many users desire. However, this phone is perfect for those who want a simple phone and is the ideal cell phone for seniors who long for something designed for many of their special needs. The author has written extensively about cell phones and cell phone plans. Learn more or shop by visiting homemedias.info, her online communications and electronics store.instrumental beats