How do you stay in touch with your children and grandchildren if they live some distance away? The obvious answer would be to call, email, or text them when you want to communicate. This would work if you’re comfortable with mobile technology. All you’d have to do is buy either a Samsung’s Galaxy S8 or an iPhone 7. Moreover, you could use your smartphone for finding your way around places, including discovering new restaurants in the city where you live. And, of course, you can also stay in touch with people via a social media platform like Facebook or Twitter.
This scenario might work if you already know how to use a mobile phone. Unfortunately, if you do invest in buying the latest smartphone, you might find numerous features that are obvious to others are a complete mystery to you. While, of course, you can always resort to simply using a landline, you’ll have to count on being at home to receive your calls. If you have mobility issues, it might take considerable effort to get to the phone when it rings; and if you have hearing problems, you might not answer it at all.
Perhaps, the most intimidating thing when it comes to using smartphones is the vast number of icons. This rich assortment of options can be overwhelming. What would be perfect would be a smartphone for with just a few easy-to-identify icons or buttons that would allow you to make and answer calls, email, and access other useful features. Well, in fact, there are senior-friendly options like Jitterbug phones. They’ve been designed to simplify the whole process of figuring out what button to press while still offering you all the basic features you need.
Is the Jitterbug the Perfect Solution?
Here are six reasons, why you might find the Jitterbug a perfect solution for staying in touch with everyone:
1. It’s easy to use.
The user interface is intuitive. On the lower half of the screen, you’ll see a command area. It will ask you what you would like to do. If a contact is highlighted in the phone list, you’ll see a one-word question: “call?” If you do want to make a call, then you’ll hit the “yes” button. If you’ve changed your mind or accidentally highlighted the wrong name and you don’t want to make a call, then simply hit the “no” key.
2. It’s easy to understand.
If you want to explore features of the phone, but have no one around to explain it to you, then all you have to do is access the built in tutorial.
2. It’s easy to see.
You’ll notice that everything is easier to see. The color screen is sharp, and the menus, messages, and yes or no prompt buttons are all easy to identify. Besides big numbers, the keys are backlit, so you can see the numbers even under weak lighting conditions.
3. It’s easy to hear.
You can adjust the volume from low to high, and you can also make these adjustments in the middle of a call. If you wear a hearing aid, you’ll find a feature for hearing aid compatibility; and if the person on the other end can’t hear you, there is a speakerphone feature.
4. It’s easy to pay for.
The jitterbug is designed to be affordable. You can opt for a $15 monthly plan if you’re on a tight budget.
5. It’s easy to cancel.
Many affordable service plans come with a catch: the user may have to sign a long-term contract based on a continuity program. With a jitterbug phone, you’re free to cancel your phone whenever you like, and there is no penalty for discontinuing the service.
Technology Can Reduce Social Isolation
Humans are wired for social connection, and when you don’t have anyone to talk to for long periods of time, it’s easy to feel anxious and depressed. Your continued isolation can even lead to cognitive decline because social connections make a better brain. Fortunately, you do have an option: you can use a mobile device to help you stay in touch with relatives, friends, and caregivers. You can also use it to arrange for transportation to visit community organizations like a nearby church or local senior center or to make excursions into town.
