New Cell Phones for Seniors: Jitterbug Plus for Great Call

The Jitterbug has been a major force in the cell phones for seniors and a new one is about to enter the fray. Samsung has revealed the next-generation Jitterbug before GreatCall has a chance to formally announced it.

It appears that the phone will be called the Jitterbug Plus or Samsung SCH-R220.

A look at the phone indicates that it will sport the traditional Jitterbug look with its clamshell design and large buttons on its keypad.

Here are a few images of this new cell phone for seniors to give you a batter look:

As you can see, its simplified design makes it ideal for the use of elderly mobile phone consumers.
The features offered by this device include a 2.2 inch color display (240x320 Pixels) inside and an external color screen that measures 1.3 inches (128x128 Pixels). This cell phone for baby boomers is also equipped with a 1.3MP camera.

Here are the rest of the features and specs for the Jitterbug Plus for Great Call:

• speakerphone
• voice dialing
• messaging
• phone book
• hearing aid compatible (HAC): MT/T4
• internal memory::1GB (EFS) + 512MB (RAM)
• battery with up to 25 days standby time and up to 3.1 hours continuous usage time
• 5-Star service
• Dimensions (inches): 3.86 x 2.01 x 0.77
• Weight (ounces): 2.86 oz.
• Frequencies and Data Type: 800/1900MHz

GreatCall has not yet announced this phone so pricing and availability are still unknown. It will be available in red and silver.

What do you think of this phone? Is it worthy of being the next Jitterbug cell phone for the elderly?

GreatCall Awarded for High degree of Customer Support

GreatCall is one of the few companies that is dedicated to serving the needs of consumers who are at the age of 65 or older. This company offers cell phones for seniors as well as other services and mobile applications that are designed for the elderly.

Recently the company received an award from Frost & Sullivan for being successful with offering High-Touch customer service for mHealth and communication. The 2011 North America Frost & Sullivan Award for Customer Service Leadership is just another award the company received in the course of providing services for senior citizens.

The award recognizes the MNVO's ability to put the users directly through to a trained customer service representative. The company prides itself guaranteeing get quick, responsive, U.S.-based, English-speaking service.

The centerpiece of this company's offering is the Jitterbug phone.  This device is a leading mobile phone for seniors and we have featured it several times in this blog. This phone allows its users to contact a customer service operator for any type of assistance be it using the phone or an emergency. These operators are also well versed in the health and safety services, like 5Star Urgent Response, Medication Reminders and LiveNurse.

Here are a video that show how one of these service work:

That's it for this post. Stay tuned for more Jitterbug J news and other updates on cell phones for your grandparents.

Take Advanatage of GreatCall's Jitterbug Madness Promo!

The Jitterbug phones for seniors from GreatCall are some of the best options for the elderly. However, some folks have taken cheaper options as these handsets are on the pricey side as far as mobile phones for the elderly go. Fortunately, the company has recently launched a program that makes their handsets more accessible to senior citizens.

I got wind of this nice offer from Facebook where I have subscribed to the company's official page. Subscribing has paid off as I was able to find it about this good promo.

So what is the Jitterbug Madness Promo? Well, it's a program that reduces the online price of all the phones offered by GreatCall. And how much is the online discount? Well, you'll be pleased to know that the prices for all the company's cell phones for senior citizens have been cut half. There all offered with a 50% discount.

Here's an image of the company's line-up with their reduced prices:

This promo is active until May 26. I think it has been extend to that date since other ads showed that it was supposed to end on 3/19. I guess the company extended the offer because it was successful. Or perhaps not many consumers have taken the bait.

Nevertheless, this time period would be a great time to purchase a phone from the company if you have been planning to buy a cell phone for the elderly from GreatCall.

Getting a good mobile phone for seniors for half its price is a good deal in my opinion.

Stay tuned for more news, updates and phones for your grandparents.

ABC's Simple Phones to Enhance Your Health

I stumbled upon an interesting video that features one of the top cell phones for seniors in the market. The video is entitled "Simple Phones to Enhance Your Health" and looks at the Jitterbug J and its health enhancing features. It was aired by ABC's Ahead of the Curve show, a program that looks at gadgets and technology.

I wish that they had also included other phones for the elderly in the video but it is what it is, as they say. Here's the video for your enjoyment:

Jitterbug CEO David Inns discussed the best features of his company's famous phone and its rate plans. He touched upon the phone's simple interface, big buttons, noise reduction technology, and app capability.  He also talked about the apps that can enhance the health of the user such as the health tips, the Live Nurse app, Wellness Call, and emergency personal serve.

The company's connection to the American Heart Association was also mentioned in the clip.

Hopefully, other mobile phones for seniors will gain the attention of big networks and be featured in their high-profile shows.

Stay tuned for other videos, and related post on handset for the elderly and other related topics.

5Star Personal Security Now Available at GreatCall

GreatCall, the force behind the Jitterbug cell phones for senior citizens, has launched the 5Star Personal Security Service. This service for seniors was introduced in February and is now available for GreatCall customers.

So what is the 5Star Personal Security Service? It is described as a cell phone-based mobile, personal emergency response system (mPERS). It works by proving customers with real-time access to help in any situation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The service is reportedly reliable and easy-to-use so senior users can manage it without any problem. Users simply dial the (5) and the (*) keys on the Jitterbug cell phone to be connected to a specially trained response agent. This agent is certified by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) so the person has been trained well to deal with a number of situations.

So what happens if an emergence occur? Well, a response team can dispatch 911 personnel or get users other assistance that can help them overcome unsafe situations. The service agent will arrange for appropriate assistance and will stay on the line with customers until they are safe and secure.

Now the question you might want to know about the fees associated with this service. This service for the elderly cost $14.99 per month and $8.99 for each additional family member.

If you are interested in this app for seniors, then visit the Great Call website for more details.

That's it for today's post. Stay tuned for more information on mobile phones for seniors and other related topics.

The Wellness Call Service for Seniors

We have previously featured other GreatCall services for senior citizens such as the LiveNurse, Check in Calls and Medication Reminders. This time let's look at the Wellness Call Service for Jitterbug mobile phones.

The Wellness Call Service for seniors focuses on making users feel better immediately and long-term. How? Well, GreatCall partnered with Brian Alman, Ph.D, a well-known wellness expert and best-selling author to provide quality services to seniors and other consumers.

This service for mobile phone for seniors is ideal for users who suffer from stress, sleeplessness or weight. One motivational 4 – 5 minute call per week can be a big help for some consumers.

The Wellness Call Service for seniors include the following services:

• Health and Wellness Coaching
• Motivational Messages
• Relaxation Tips
• Immediate Results, Long Term Success

This service for cell phone for seniors cost $4.00 per month but is offered free on select plans.

If you're not convinced that this service is for you, then you can try it out for free for the first 30 days.

That's it for this short preview on the Wellness Call Service for seniors. Stay tuned as we tell you about other services for seniors.

GreatCall Adds 5Star Personal Security to Senior Services

GreatCall, the company that offers the JitterBug cell phones for seniors, has announced a new service that can help the elderly.

The 5Star Personal Security Service can transform a mobile phone for seniors into a personal security device for almost any situation. This service allows subscribers to immediately connect to a certified emergency response agent. This service is on for 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

When a senior citizens calls, the emergency operator will arrange appropriate assistance, while providing real-time professional support.

Elderly users will not find it hard to use this service. The caller simply touches (5) and (*) on their Jitterbug phone to reach the emergency operator. The operator who receives the call will immediately know who the caller is, where they’re located using the latest GPS technology, and their personal profile. The 5Star Personal Security Service operator will determine the type of emergency, dispatch the appropriate assistance, or connect to 911 or family members for familiar support, while remaining on the line to ensure resolution. The operator will even place a follow-up call as the situation warrants.

This senior mobile phone service will become commercially available in February 2011 for $14.99 per month.

That's it for this cell phone services for senior citizens. Join us every week as we feature mobile phones and services for the elderly.

Jitterbug Cell Phones Expands Across the New York City Metropolitan Area

GreatCall the company behind the Jitterbug cell phones for senior citizens recently announced an expansion of its retail presence in the tri-state area.

Seniors throughout Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania can now avail of the senior-friendly Jitterbug J mobile phone. The handset for the elderly will be available via all 65 P.C. Richard & Son stores across the New York City Metropolitan Area.

Ryan Jones, Vice President of Sales for GreatCall, commented on this development:

“As we continue to expand GreatCall’s retail presence, we’re excited to reach a new group of users who want simple handsets, including the Jitterbug J, as well as easy-to-use and helpful services and applications. By working with retailing leaders and partners such as P.C. Richard & Son, we succeed in reaching those targeted customers who may not have had such convenient access to our products until now.”

In case, you don't know about the Jitterbug cell phones then you should be aware that these devices are specially designed for seniors. These handsets feature large buttons, large fonts, and dedicated 911 emergency keys.

Here are some of our blog post that feature Jitterbug mobile phones:

Jitterbug Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
The Jitterbug J
The Jitterbug LiveNurse Service

Consumers can also purchase Jitterbug handsets from Best Buy, RadioShack, Sears, Fry's and Meijer's.

That's it for now. Stay tuned for more news and updates on mobile phones for seniors.

The Jitterbug Check-in Calls Service for Senior Citizens

Let's look at another Jitterbug service tha caters to the special needs of the elderly. We have previously featured the Jitterbug LiveNurse and the Medication Reminders services. This time let's talk about the Check-in Calls service.

This mobile service for the elderly aims to provide "peace of mind, and a sense of security" for only five bucks per month. The company's automated system will ensure that the elderly user are being checked on every day.

The Jitterbug Check-in Calls service will send a notification call will be sent to a consumer's list of personal contacts so that help can be provided immediately should the senior user require any assistance.

Consumers can ask the help of the company's 24-hour US-based MyLife representatives to set up calls, contact list and schedule. Users can also manage their own account on myjitterbug.com.

That's if for this affordable and helpful mobile phone service for senior citizens. Tune in for more services, accessories, and mobile phone for seniors.

The Jitterbug Medication Reminders Service

Here's another Jitterbug service that can be helpful for senior citizens. The Jitterbug Medication Reminders service helps the elderly to stay up-to-date and on schedule with their prescription schedule.

This service is similar to the Auto-Med iPhone App. However, this isn't an application but a service that calls users to keep them on track of their prescription schedule.

I think it's a helpful service since serous complications can arise when seniors forget to take their medications or confuse dosage and administration times.

The senor-friendly Jitterbug Medication Reminders service costs $10 per month.

A loved one can enter in the senior's medications exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Then an automated system will call the user to remind them to take medication at the appropriate times.

The Jitterbug website also provides a way for senior users to track their adherence to your schedule.

That's it. Another good service from the manufacturer of one of the best mobile phone for seniors in the business and the provider of the award-winning Live Nurse service.

Tune in every week to get fresh content on services, news and mobile phones for seniors.

The Jitterbug LiveNurse Service

GreatCall's Jitterbug has made a living out of the senior mobile phone market. Their efforts are not limited to their mobile phones for senior citizens, rate plans and accessories but also with services geared towards the elderly. Let's take a quick look at the award-winning LiveNurse service from Jitterbug.

The Jitterbug LiveNurse service provides unlimited, 24-hour telephone access (English and Spanish) to friendly, registered nurses. Consumers can get health care advice when they have have questions or need information about health and well-being topics. This is certainly a senior-friendly service.

But what about the cost? The Jitterbug LiveNurse service is available for only $4 per month. The company is also offering a limited time offer that provides the service for free on all rate plans $29.99 and above.

The Jitterbug LiveNurse service for seniors include 24-hour access to a pre-recorded health library, featuring current information on hundreds of general health topics.

This service on the Jitterbug cell phone for senors received the award in the Best Mobile Consumer Application Category in the CTIA 2009 Hot for the Holidays Awards Program.

That's it for this post. Tune in for more mobile phones for seniors, services and news.

Cheap Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

I have features several mobile phone plans for seniors in this blog so I thought it would be helpful to create a post that compiled these services. I've also added a few more affordable cell phone plans for senior citizens in addition to my older posts.

Cheap Cell Phone Plans fo Seniors

Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus: 200 anytime minutes for only about thirty bucks per month.

AT&T's Senior Nation 200 Plan: 200 Anytime Minutes, 500 Night & Weekend Minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling for $29.99 a month.

AT&T's Pay As You Go: $.25/minute but no daily access fee

Tracfone Prepaid: 50 minutes for $9.99

Consumer Cellular 100 Pack: $2.50 After 100 messages, additional messages are 10 cents each.

Sprint-Nextel's Basic Plan: 200 anytime minutes for $29.99/month

Jitterbug Cell Phone Plans: $29.99 200 Anytime Minutes, 500 Night & Weekend Minutes

MyCricket.com: as low as $30.00/month with unlimited local calling and unlimited texts to the United States and Mexico.


Consumers can choose between postpaid and pre-paid plans for senior citizens.

Hopefully, this compilation of mobile phone plans for the elderly can help senior consumers to find the best plans for their needs.

Stay tuned for more information on accessories, plans and cell phones for senior citizens.

Jitterbug J Accessories

Here's a special post for Jitterbug J users. I though it would be good to devote a page to accessories for this excellent cell phone for senior citizens. These accessories for a good cell phone for seniors can help consumers to get the most out of their handset.

Let's take a look at three of the most useful Jitterbug J Accessories:

Jitterbug J Headset: This special accessory allows consumers to have hands-free conversations on their mobile phone for seniors. It's lightweight and portable so it won't be a burden for elderly users. This accessory also reduces background noise and the earpiece features improved sound quality, so it's a senior friendly tool. It's available for around thirty bucks.




Jitterbug J Lanyard: This accessory allows one to hold ones mobile phone for seniors safe and secure around your neck. Designed with red and clear beads to match the design of the Jitterbug J. It includes an oversized ring for your keys or sunglasses. Sold for around fifteen bucks.






Jitterbug J Horizontal Leather Case: This useful accessory allows users to have easy access to the Jitterbug J. It clips conveniently to a belt or purse so the cell phone for senior is always within your reach. This accessory is available for around twenty bucks.



Visit the Jitterbug website to get more information on Jitterbug J accessories. Just keep in mind that some of the accessories may not be compatible with the original Jitterbug.

That's it for this post. Tune in for more news, plans, accessories and mobile phones for senior citizens.

Jitterbug Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

Jitterbug cell phone for senior citizens have been featured several times in this blog, but the company also offers cell phone plans for the elderly. Let's take a quick look for a these mobile phone plans for seniors and see how hey compare with other offerings in the market.

This company's Nationwide Service starts at 14.99 per month. Senior consumers will like the fact that these rate plans are not saddled with contracts or prepaid hassles. The Jitterbug rate plans for seniors are also flexible and consumers can select a different plan at any time with no hidden charges for switching plans.

What other benefit do these plans offer? Well, senior consumers can call anywhere in the U.S. at anytime. The absence of roaming or long distance fees also makes this cell phone plans for seniors very attractive.

These image illustrates the Jitterbug cell phone plans for seniors:


Here are a few reminders you need to know before signing up for Jitterbug cell phone plans for seniors:

• 5 minutes will be deducted from your available minutes for each Jitterbug operator-assisted call. Standard per minute usage rates apply for the length of the call.
• All plans require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set-up fee of $35 (Set up fee waived for each additional user).
• Surcharges, government taxes and assessments are not included - they vary by state and municipality.

That's it for this post. Stay tuned for more plans and cell phones for seniors.

Jitterbug Cell Phone for Seniors Now Available at 192 Meijer stores

One of the best mobile phones for senior citizens is now available at all 192 Meijer stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.

GreatCall, the moving force behind the Jitterbug mobile phones for seniors has just announced a deal with supercenter chain Meijer. This agreement means that one of the best senior friendly phones will be accessible to more elderly consumers.

Meijer stores will carry all three Jitterbug J handsets: White, Graphite, and Red.

Ryan Jones, Vice President of Sales for GreatCall comments on this development,

"We know that Jitterbug customers are consumers who look for a more personalized wireless experience, so we are very pleased that Meijer stores are now carrying the Jitterbug J handsets. The key to our continued success and attracting the attention of leading retailers such as Meijer is due in large part to giving our customers the services that add value to their daily routine, improve their safety and well-being, and help them easily connect with friends and family."

The Jitterbug is a special handset that's designed for the needs of the elderly and consumers who want a simple handset. The increased availability of this cell phone for seniors will be a big help for consumers who are 65 years old and above.

That's it for this quick update on the Jitterbug handsets. Tune in often to get more news and updates on the best deals and mobile phones for seniors.

New Jitterbug Phone for Seniors Arrives!

There is no doubt that Jitterbug is one of the leading forces in the cell phone for seniors industry. The brand has almost become synonymous with the cell phone for senior citizens market. We have featured the company's phones and services in this blog multiple times and we now welcome the arrival of a new Jitterbug device into the industry.

Great Call, the moving force behind these useful handsets for the elderly, has announced a new version of the Jitterbug. Called the Jitterbug J, this cell phone for seniors features the same clamshell with large buttons. This special handset is now available online and via select retailers.

However, the Jitterbug J has a slimmer and lighter design than the SPH-a110 and SPH-a120 models. Despite it's new design, this simple cell phone for senior citizens remain comfortable in the hand.

The new Jitterbug J cell phone for senior is simple when compared with most of today's mid-range and high-end cellphones. However, it also offers new features that were not found in earlier models. The new features found in this new Jitterbug phone include Bluetooth that enables the use of wireless headsets.

This new mobile phone for seniors also provided improvements such better -screen navigation, custom ringtones, dedicated speakerphone key and call waiting. The Jitterbug J also boast of a battery that can last 30% longer than previous models.

New services include the MyCalendar app, which lets users add calendar items online that automatically sync with their handset. This new Jitterbug phone also offers new SMS templates and 24/7 access to a nurse call-in service.

Users can also subscribe to the Complete Care package that bundles in roadside assistance and free replacement of lost or broken phones. I like this service. It appears to be beneficial for elderly users. It is offered at a very affordable monthly price of $9.

Unfortunately, the Jitterbug J phone for seniors is offered at the same price of $147. We would have liked it to have a more accessible price in the face of the current economic downturn.

That's it for this post on this new Jitterbug phone. Tune in to this blog for the latest news and updates on cell phones for seniors.

Jitterbug - A Service Provider Just for Seniors

Jitterbug is a mobile service providers that specialize in catering to the needs of senior users. The company is a mobile virtual network operator that works with Sprint and serves more than 5 million subscribers. Jitterbug offers simple handsets and service plans that are easy-to-use for senior citizens.

This mobile service provider for seniors offers subscribers two basic mobile phones, the Jitterbug and the Jitterbug OneTouch. The Jitterbug is a clamshell mobile phone that resembles a typical wireless land-line phone. It even has a real dial tone when one turns it on. The Jitterbug has all the qualities that a senior would require from a mobile phone. This device has a large display as well as big and widely spaced buttons on a simple numeric keypad. The Jitterbug OneTouch is similar to the Jitterbug except that it only has three buttons, instead of the numeric keypad.

The Jitterbug cell phones for seniors are simple and can be used by a user with basic telephone skills. However, they are a bit bulky and may be too simple for seniors who might want more flexibility. These Jitterbug handsets are offered for $147, which is a bit expensive for simple mobile phones.

Jitterbug offers pay-as-you-go and monthly plans with no contract requirements. These plans have monthly rates that range from $10 to $80 and the minutes expire after 90 days. Jitterbug subscribers are required to pay a one-time activation fee of $35. Jitterbug also provides a 24-hour operator service which provides directory assistance, connects calls or changes to the subscriber’s phone contact lists. It is important to note that calls made to an operator are deducted from the subscriber's monthly minutes. Jitterbug provides coverage in every state, but individual coverage will vary by location. This service provider operates on a CDMA network so international roaming is limited to only 26 countries.

The handsets and services of Jitterbug mobile virtual network operator are ideal for senior users. The services are affordable and simple to use. One will not find 3G data, streaming video services or music download services form this provider. Instead, Jitterbug is dedicated to providing clear, easy-to-use cell phones, helpful support, and affordable plans without monthly contracts.

For Emergencies Try the Jitterbug OneTouch

A cellphone with only three buttons? In this high tech world where phones have qwerty keyboards it can be puzzling to think about a mobile phone with only three buttons. Who would want such a handset?

Well, it might surprise you that a phone with only a few buttons appeal to a certain groups of people. Seniors and disabled persons can benefit from a device that do not have a large number of buttons. The best phones for senior citizens are devices that have large buttons, a bright display, and simple features. Seniors do not require sophisticated features, they want a cell phone that is easy to operate.

The Jitterbug OneTouch is a phone that is specially designed to meet the demands of the elderly and disabled persons. this unique device is manufactured by a new Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) called GreatCall. This network serves elderly people who want to keep in touch with their relatives and friends.

What makes the Jitterbug OneTouch a good cell phone for seniors? Well, there are plenty of reasons. let us begin with the special buttons and keypad. Since this phone is designed for emergencies and seniors, it does not feature the traditional numerical keypad found in most mobile phones.

The Jitterbug keypad has large, backlit buttons that seniors can see without any difficulty. the buttons are easy to press, and users can choose to pre-install their contacts into the device. This mobile phone for seniors also comes with a handy operator service that guides the elderly through the calling process.

This brillianly designed device also have hands free features that make it easier for disabled and the elderly to make a call. The Voice Dial feature allows users to dial contacts or numbers simply by saying the name or number aloud.

Seniors who have less than perfect hearing can benefit from the padded earpiece that keeps unwanted noise out and provides comfort for the elderly who wear a hearing aids. The Jitterbug's volume can be adjusted from low to super-high depending on the hearing capacity of the user. The volume can also be adjusted while the user is are on a call to make conversations go smoothly.

Since no device is perfect, the Jitterbug OneTouch also have some limitations. For instance, Seniors who are looking for more flexibility might find it too limited. The volume rocker could have also been placed in a less awkward position. Some seniors might also find it too bulky and difficult to carry around.

The Jitterbug is a good option if you are interested in cell phones for seniors. It is specially designed for them and has features that makes it valuable in emergencies. It's a simple device that ideal for the elderly and disabled users.