Review of Phones and Tablets For Seniors
Our Top Picks for Elder-Friendly Smartphones and Tablets
There is no doubt that the tech market in Singapore is already loaded with smartphones and tablets but the needs of the elderly is not being met. Many of the smartphones and tablets we encountered in the market are not elder-friendly enough. Nevertheless, our search for the best phones for seniors actually revealed that a few phone manufacturers have been able to launch some smartphones and tablets that genuinely cater to the well-being and emergency needs of the elderly.
So, if you are looking for the right phones or tablets for your parent or grandparent who is not comfortable with technology, here are our top picks.
ONY Phone App
ONY Phone app by SilverActivities is a smartphone launcher for older adults with intuitively designed features to help them connect with loved ones and be part of the tech world. ONY Phone makes it easy to use a smartphone. With larger icons and text, you can find your favorite apps with ease.
Features:
- Big buttons with large fonts and virtual home button
- All your favorite apps at your finger-tip
- Redesigned Android settings screens
- Flexible and customizable depending on senior's tech-familiarity
- Available worldwide
Jitterbug Flip
Jitterbug Flip is a basic flip phone without the smartphone functionality, but it is loaded with features suitable for seniors. It is the most suitable phones for those grandparents that need a device only so they can communicate with other members of the family. Jitter Flip is so simple to operate; almost any elder can make use of it. The phone comes with a 5Star button and other health and safety services, which may come handy for seniors in case of an emergency.
Features:
- 5Star emergency button
- Big buttons make it easy to see
- Simple, organized menu with easy 'yes' and 'no' menu buttons
- Powerful speaker ensures every conversation is loud and clear
- M4/T4 hearing aid compatible
- Dependable battery life
- Not available in Singapore
Jitterbug Smart
Jitter Smart is a touchscreen device with the simplest smartphone functionality. It comes with a big screen, easy-to-use menu, as well as large letters and icons that will make it easy for seniors to navigate the web as well as take emergency actions when necessary.
Features:
- 5.5-inch touch screen
- Simple smartphone interface with exclusive features for seniors
- Emergency response app
- 5.0 megapixel built-in camera
- Dependable battery life
- Affordable smartphone
- Not available in Singapore
SGiNO CP168- 4G
SGiNo CP168 is an easy-to-use phone made with the elders in mind. It comes with a location locator with GPS tracking for an added sense of safety. Another fantastic feature of this device is its ability to accept 4G, 3G, and 2G SIM Cards. This ensures better network connectivity that makes the connection of an elder with their children and grandchildren an engaging experience.
Features:
- 4G, 3G and 2G connectivity
- microSD Card slot
- Supports Facebook, WhatsApp, etc
- 2.8-inch screen
- Physical buttons for ease-of-use
- Available in Singapore
SilverPad
SilverPad is a senior-friendly tablet that hides the complexities and allows for an easy-to-navigate interface to enable the elderly to operate a tablet independently. SilverPad comes with SilverActivities Cognitive Games with a focus on cognitive training. It is a complete entertainment system, and its simple interface allows elders to independently navigate through music, videos, news, games, and more. SilverPad is accompanied by a content management system that contains a drag and drop interface to curate relevant content remotely.
Features:
- Big screen
- Multilingual - all 4 Singapore official languages
- More than 100 games (ad free) developed by SilverActivities
- Big buttons with large fonts and virtual home button
- Modular and Flexible With Content Management System
- Available in Singapore
Grandpad
GrandPad® is a tablet that enables a senior to stay connected to the whole family easily. It is a smart device that provides elders with the smartest, simplest, and safest way to connect with all their loved ones. The free GrandPad companion app and web portal can be configured by caregivers and this enables seniors to access apps such taxi booking, social photo gallery and video calling easily.
Features:
- Just tap a picture to make a call
- Send and receive emails
- View family photos and videos
- Take and share pictures
- Weather for you and your family
- Dependable battery life
- Your favorite songs a tap away
- Fun single and multiplayer games
- Not available in Singapore
Final words
All elders have their unique challenges, which may include fear of technology, poor hearing, impaired sight, and/or one or more chronic ailments. Any of the above devices will certainly help elders be independent and stay connected to their loved ones.