Phones For the Elderly | 5 Reasons Senior Citizens Need Smartphones

Does Gramma Need an iPhone?

If you are thinking of buying a smartphone for someone, your elderly father or mother are probably not on the list. These gadgets are for teens and 30 somethings with mobile careers, right? Truth is, while everyone else just likes them, senior citizens need smartphones. It could mean the difference between life and death.

By itself, a phone might not be the best solution for every emergency. Combined with an emergency alert system, though, it could hasten response time and add precious minutes. But that is not the only reason that smartphones are a great idea for the elderly. Altogether, here are 5 reasons to boost your elderly loved ones communication abilities to the next level:

1. Smartphones Can Save Lives During an Emergency

If your loved one is a fall risk, and you or another caregiver can't offer 24 hour supervision, how long will it be before help arrives? Do you check in regularly, or do you wait for your parent to contact you in case of an accident?

Although any phone can call 911 in case of a fall (or any other health issue or accident) a smartphone may be easier to use. A touchscreen provides quick access to important numbers. Voice command can assist when a person can't manage to dial or find their emergency contacts list quickly.

People who finds themselves unable to speak can text. Even a garbled message can alert a caregiver, relative, or friend that a senior needs to be checked on.

2. Using a Smartphone To Prevent Dangerous Situations

Recently a local woman, aged 79 became stranded when her car broke down in a strange neighborhood after dark. She was over 50 miles from home, and no one was expecting to hear from her for a few hours.

Not sure of the the area, she used her phone to search her location, then she called a son-in-law and told him how to find her. She remained safely locked in her car, and help arrived shortly.

Although she probably wasn't in any real danger, there is always the possibility that a senior citizen could have car trouble. The elderly make up a large percentage of all drivers, and are just as likely to be involved in accidents, to have a breakdown, or to find themselves in an unsafe situation as anyone else.

With access to online maps and GPS, there is less chance of your loved one getting lost. Help is always a phone call or text away. A built in camera lets them take a photo of a landmark in the area if they can't accurately describe their location.

Even though it is not recommended, people with dementia are also drivers. If they become lost and disoriented (even on foot), the information in their phone can assist a helpful citizen to discover the identity and relatives of the senior, so that they can be safely returned home.

3. Prevent Social Isolation in the Elderly

Loneliness is a common issue among the elderly, especially for those who are housebound. Even though most elders are visited frequently by health care workers, ministers, and relatives, they may feel withdrawn from their peer group. If their friends are able to be out and about, the may visit, but sometimes only sporadically.

The internet has greatly helped many seniors stay connected with friends and family. Having internet on a phone makes it more portable. For a person who must spend the majority of time in bed, a phone can keep them connected to the world. They can watch the news, chat with friends, see photos of their loved ones, read a book, and catch up on some favorite shows--all with one single device instead of tons of clutter taking up space in their room.

Even for seniors in assisted living or similar care facilities, a phone can battle loneliness. They might be surrounded by other residents, but that is never as nice as being able to connect to loved ones with just the swipe of a finger. A smartphone can also replace things like books, a radio, and magazines that might crowd the small living space.

4. Battle Dementia and Alzheimer's With Smartphone Apps

Staying mentally active may help prevent or slow dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Puzzles and games found on a phone, as well as the act of learning something new (such as how to use the phone's functions and apps) provide plenty of mental stimulation.

Seniors who miss caring for a pet or loved one can adopt a virtual pet. There are math puzzles, word games, action games, and more. Facebook games allow the player to interact with other people, which can be a good way to make new friends.

Who knew taking care of your brain could be so much fun?

5. Help the Elderly Stay Organized with A Smartphone

Most phones offer a variety of features to help users stay organized. From the phone, a person can:

• Check the time
• Check the date
• Keep appointments on a virtual calender or journal
• Mange bank accounts
• Set timers and alarms

Whenever memory loss starts to threaten your loved one's independence, these features can help keep them on track. Calenders help them stay oriented to day, month and year. THey also provide a way to keep all birthdays, holidays, doctor's appointments and due bills in one place. 

There are also appointment managers, budget managers, grocery lists, note taking programs, online banking, calculators and more. 

Slightly more complex, but still a great feature, are programs that allow the user to scan codes on products to make sure they are getting the best deal. (very useful for senior citizens on a tight budget). 

Timers and alarms might the most beneficial feature. These can be programmed to remind the elderly to take their medication. One of the note apps can also be used to keep track of which medications they take, the dosage amount, and frequency of doses--information that is vital in case they have to be taken to the hospital. 

Useful Technology for Caregivers, too.

Now you know why senior citizens need a smartphone. Caregivers can also find many benefits from owning a piece of the newest technology on the market.  As phones become better and smarter, they may soon become one of the most important tools for the elderly as well as for their caregivers.

Not sure which phone? check out this helpful article on what seniors should look for in a smartphone.