With the continuing trend towards an increasing number of seniors, it’s no wonder technology is looking for ways to meet their needs. The Jitterbug cell phone is one example of technology being marketed to the growing number of seniors. The features of the jitterbug cell phone are drawing a lot of attention from both seniors and their children, who are looking for ways to keep their parents independent and supported remotely, while understanding that many seniors are not comfortable learning to use high-tech devices. This article will explore the jitterbug cell phone and its features, so you can decide if it might be the right technology for you or your loved ones lifestyle.
The jitterbug cell phone is designed to be an easy-to-use cell phone with features that make it easy for seniors to navigate. The jitterbug features large, bright, backlit buttons, but the readability could have been designed a bit better to help those with low vision. The display is bright, but the letters can be spaced out a bit more for easier reading. The keyboard has black buttons with large white lettering, which is great for low vision.
The jitterbug cell phone also features a simple menu system, “Yes” and “No”. Each action is driven by a simple yes or no command instead of confusing icons. Alerts, such as missed calls or new voicemails, are also phrased as questions, so a simple press of yes or no will bring up the messages. Calling to listen to messages is again automated with yes/no questions that make the features quite easy to use.
There is only one ringtone on the jitterbug phone. It is an ascending series of high tones. The ringtone volume control can be adjusted. At maximum volume, it’s loud enough to be heard in almost any condition. The high setting is also high enough for most conditions.
Calls can be made in three ways. Voice dialing can be used by saying the person’s name. First you must enter the number of the person in the phone book. You can also make a call by scrolling to the phone book entry and pressing yes when prompted to dial the call. Of course, any number can also be entered by dialing it on the keyboard. The phone also features a familiar dial tone when you’re ready to call. This is a feature that is not available on most cell phones and can help seniors who are used to dialing after hearing the dial tone on the landline.
The jitterbug cell phone has an average battery life for a cell phone. It can be difficult to predict battery life with the variability of usage of the average senior. If you make a few short calls a week and the phone is left on hold the rest of the time, the Jitterbug’s battery should last an average of 10 days. When used for a few short calls per day, the battery should last about 5 days. There is a battery indicator button that will appear on the screen when the battery is low. One disadvantage of the phone’s design is that the connector is a small plug that fits into a small opening in the phone. It could have been designed to be easier to use for people with impaired vision or motor skills.
The Jitterbug cell phone is technology for seniors. It is designed to help seniors and their children maintain independence and a sense of security. The features of the jitterbug phone make it easy to use and incorporate into the lifestyle of seniors. The phone has a solid construction and is comfortable to use and carry. There are many more features of the jitterbug phone that were not mentioned that make this phone worth considering for the peace of mind it can give seniors and their families today.