Introduction

Smartphone usage among seniors is growing rapidly. Today, over 40% of seniors aged 65+ own a smartphone, up from just 18% in 2013 ([Source](https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2017/05/17/technology-use-among-seniors/)). This increase is being driven by the many benefits smartphones offer to seniors:

• Staying connected with family and friends through calling, texting, emailing, video chat apps, and social media. Smartphones make it easy for seniors to keep in touch with loved ones near and far.
• Access to apps and information on demand. Seniors can get news, weather, health information, maps, and much more right on their smartphone. There are also apps tailored for seniors to promote health, cognition and independence.
• Safety and security. Smartphones give seniors quick access to emergency services and health information. Medical ID apps allow paramedics access to medical records if needed. Location sharing apps give family peace of mind.
• Entertainment. Smartphones provide books, music, videos, games and more to keep seniors engaged and mentally stimulated. Portability is also a plus for on-the-go entertainment.
• Independence. Smartphones support independent living by providing rideshares, grocery delivery, video doctor visits and other conveniences. Voice assistants like Siri allow hands-free use.

With training and the right features enabled, smartphones can enrich seniors' lives. This guide will explore how to choose the right smartphone, plans, apps and settings to optimize the benefits for seniors.

Choosing a Smartphone

When choosing a smartphone, there are a few key factors that seniors should consider:

Operating Systems

The two most popular operating systems for smartphones are iOS (Apple) and Android (Google). iOS offers a very straightforward and easy to use interface, while Android offers much more customization and flexibility. Consider which system your friends and family use - choosing the same OS makes apps, photos and communication seamless across devices.  

Screen Size and Visibility

Look for a screen size that is comfortable for you. A screen size between 5 to 6 inches is typical for most modern smartphones. Consider getting a phone with a 1080p or higher screen resolution for crisp, sharp images. An OLED or AMOLED display will provide vibrant colors and strong contrast. Make sure the screen brightness can be adjusted high enough for outdoor visibility.

Durability and Water Resistance

Since smartphones have delicate glass screens, it's important to protect against drops and spills which become more likely with age. Look for a phone with Gorilla Glass or Sapphire Glass screen protection. An IP67 or IP68 rating means the phone is dustproof and can survive being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

Battery Life

Battery capacity decreases over time, so opt for a phone with all-day battery life greater than 3,500 mAh. Features like Qi wireless charging, fast charging, and battery saving modes help keep the phone powered up. Getting a portable charging case can also help extend usage between charges.

Cell Phone Plans for Seniors 

When choosing a cell phone plan, seniors have several options to consider. The main types of cell phone plans aimed at seniors include:

• Contract plans - These require agreeing to a 1-2 year contract. In exchange for that commitment, you often get a discounted smartphone. The monthly fee is constant for the contract term. Early termination fees apply if you want to switch plans or carriers before the contract ends.
• No-contract plans - Also known as month-to-month plans, these do not require a long-term commitment. However, you'll often pay the full price for your smartphone. The monthly fee can change at any time if the carrier adjusts their rates. Easy to switch plans or carriers.
• Prepaid plans - With these plans, you pay upfront for a certain number of minutes, text messages, and data usage. When you use up your prepaid balance, you'll need to purchase more credits. Unused balances can roll over with some plans. No contract or credit check required.

Many carriers offer senior discounts of 5-15% per month on service. These are typically reserved for customers 65+ years old. The discounts can apply to any of the above plan types.

When choosing between contract and no-contract, weigh the pros and cons. Contracts have cheaper smartphone pricing and consistent monthly rates. But you're locked in for 1-2 years. No-contracts offer flexibility. You can change plans or carriers anytime without early termination fees. But smartphone discounts are less common.

Overall, prepaid plans tend to be the most budget-friendly options for seniors who don't need lots of data or minutes. Compare prepaid plans from Lifeline, Jitterbug, Consumer Cellular, TracFone, and major carriers. For seniors who want unlimited calling and messaging, postpaid contract or no-contract plans may be a better choice.

Apps and Features

Smartphones come with a variety of built-in apps and features that can be very useful for seniors. Here are some of the most helpful ones to look out for:

Useful Apps for Seniors

• Calendar apps for scheduling appointments and reminders
• Notes apps for writing down thoughts and lists
• Weather apps that are easy to read and understand
• Search apps like Google for looking up information 
• Map and navigation apps to help get directions
• News apps that are simple and focus on key headlines
• Email and messaging apps to stay in touch with loved ones
• Audio books and podcast apps for entertainment
• Health and wellness apps to track steps, heart rate, etc.
• Banking and finance apps to manage money
• Easy to use camera apps with good color contrast

Accessibility Features 

Many smartphones now come with great accessibility features built right in:

• Adjustable text size and screen magnification 
• Voice typing instead of using the keyboard
• Read out loud and screen reader capabilities 
• Hearing aid compatibility 
• LED flash alerts for notifications
• Options for high contrast, inverted colors, and color correction

Safety and Emergency Apps

There are also apps made specifically for safety and emergency preparedness:

• Medical ID and health information apps
• Fall detection and alert apps
• Emergency response apps to quickly call 911
• Medication reminder and management apps
• Apps to track wandering for those with memory conditions
• Caregiving coordination apps for staying in touch with family

Keeping it Simple

The key for seniors is not to get overwhelmed with too many apps. Start with the basics like phone, maps, calendar, and email. Then add useful apps one at a time as needed. Most importantly, choose apps with simplified menus, large buttons, and clearly labeled icons for ease of use.

Easy to Use and Learn

• Smartphones can seem daunting to seniors who aren't as tech-savvy. However, many smartphone manufacturers and carriers now offer features and resources specifically geared towards making smartphones easy to use and learn for seniors.
• Intuitive interface: Many smartphones now come with simplified home screens, large icons, and easy-to-read fonts to make using the phone more intuitive. Look for phones with features like one-touch or gesture-based controls.
• Step-by-step tutorials: Most smartphones have built-in tutorials that walk new users through all the features step-by-step. Make use of these when setting up a new phone. Some carriers like [Carrier] also offer in-store tutorials.
• Getting started guides: Printable setup guides with screenshots are available for most smartphones. These are handy references for learning how to add contacts, use basic features, personalize settings and more.