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.

Senior Cell Phone Comparison: Jitterbug J VS Just5 J509

I recently thought of a new format for our blogposts. We have already feature a lot of cell phones for seniors so I have to admit that finding new devices to feature is getting more challenging. So I  thought that it would be interesting to make use of our old features and make comparisons.

I notice that many tech sites are comparison two or more phones against one another. This kinds of articles are often called phone battles, dogfights, or battle royals. So I thought this format would also work for our viewers since its interesting and helpful.

However, I will refrain from making a conclusion as to the winner of the comparison at the end of the post. You, our readers, will be the one's to decide the winner.

OK, enough with the intro and on with the battle. For this post we will compare the Just5 J509 and the Jitterbug J senior cell phones. These handsets are on the forefront of the market for cell phones for the elderly. So let's begin with a comparison of the physical design:

Jitterbug J Vs Just J509

Overall Physical Design: The Jitterbug J is a flip phone while the Just 5 is a bar-style device. Here are some images for comparison.

front:

 

 back:

 

These images should give you an idea on how these devices look like and compare in terms of physical design. The Jitterbug J is available in graphite and red, while the Just5 can be purchased in black, red, white, orange, and gray.

Display/Color Screen: The Jitterbug J comes with dual displays. The internal screen measures 2.1 inches while the external display comes in at 1.1 inch. On the other hand, the Just5 has a monochrome LCD display.

Keypad/Buttons: This is a crucial feature for a cell phone for the elderly because seniors may have weak vision,. User-friendly keypads with large buttons that raised from the surface and separated from one another is ideal. Here are the images for the keypads on these handsets:

Emergency Button: Both of these handsets come with an emergency response system. The Just5 has a large dedicated button to automatically call emergency contacts and the Jitterbug J users can dial “0” anytime to reach a U.S. based, 24-hour operator.

Price: (reflects price at the time this post was published)

Jitterbug J:  $99.00

 Just5 J509: $89.99

Plans:

 

Now before we end this post let me highlight other points that were not directly addressed above. GreatCall, Jitterbug's manufacturer offers apps and services for seniors. We have covered some of them in this blog such as the LiveNurse and Medication Reminder.

OK. So what do you think of our first mobile phone for seniors comparison posts? Do you want more of these? We have plenty of SVC fans among our commenters so I'm sure they want to have their handset featured in an article like this.

Stay tuned for more posts on comparisons, featured phones, plans and other topics connected to senior mobile phone users.

GreatCall Phones, Devices, and Services for Seniors Showcased at CES 2012

Emporia showed off its new cell phones for seniors at the recent CES 2012 show. However, they did not have the monopoly of showcasing senior-friendly products at the show. Not to be outdone, GreatCall also has some exhibits at the show. Let's look at the devices that were unveiled for consumers at the recently concluded event.

GreatCall's exhibit centered around the 5Star Responder. It's not a cell phone though so I won't dwell too long on this gadget. It may not be able to make calls but the responder can be very useful for the elderly. This device provides location tracking, and one-button access to the 5-Star Urgent Response service.

This useful gadget cost $50 up front, and $15/month. It's an option for consumers who want the 5-Star service for emergencies, and not a full phone service from GreatCall.

Here's a video that previews this device:

GreatCall also took advantage of CES 2012 to show off some of its iOS apps for the iPhone. But wait. Do seniors own iPhones? Well, this Apple smartphone is one of the top notched mobile devices with all the fancy features. It's overall design is not suited for the elderly since it has no physical buttons. However, it has an easy-to-use user interface and the large and sharp screen is ideal for seniors with weak eyes.

Of course, we should underestimate the ability of seniors to handle a device like the iPhone. There are some tech-savvy folks who are at the age of 65 or older. And if they can afford this premium device then they should be allowed to enjoy the senior-friendly iOS apps from Great Call.

So what are the mobile apps for seniors that we showcased at the show? Well, we have featured some of them already and they are also available on the Jitterbug J.

There's the 5Star Urgent Response, MedCoach, and Live nurse apps. Take note though that these applications will also be available to Android phone users in the near future.

The Live Nurse app provides basic health info while the Medcoach mobile application is a great pill reminder.

So what do you think of these devices? Is it time for a new Jitterbug phone for seniors?

GreatCall Jitterbug J Videos on the Web

A few weeks ago, we posted some tutorial videos for the Just5 simple phone for the elderly. We've gotten some good response from the videos so I decided to post more clips of senior-friendly handsets.

This time we will post videos of the Jitterbug J from GreatCall, one of the most well-known cell phones for senior citizens. But before we post the videos, let me first provide some details on this phone. Of course, you can also read our feature post on the Jitterbug J if you want more details.

The Jitterbug J is currently available for around a hundred bucks and is known for its simplicity. It has a clamshell design with backlit keypad with big buttons for easy dialing and a color screen with large numbers for users with weak eyesight. This phone is also hearing-aid compatible and comes with speakers for loud, clear sound and an emergency feature that can quickly reach a U.S. based, 24-hour operator.

I guess that's more than enough for our background on this phone. Now let's proceed with the videos. Unfortunately, there are no tutorial videos for the Jitterbug J on the web. However, this clips provide plenty of info on this phone and what you see make convince one to get this phone.

Without further ado here are the Jitterbug J Videos:

That's it for this post. Visit us often if you wish to see more videos of the best mobile phones for seniors.

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.

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 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.

Hearing Impaired /Amplified Phones for Seniors at Cordlessworkz

I've discovered another online store that offers a number of devices for the elderly. Cordlessworkz.com is a wholesale provider of cordless phones and cordless phone systems. However, this company also specializes in senior-friendly phones and products especially for the hearing impaired.

This provider is based in Cary, North Carolina and sells amplified devices and a line-up of cell phones of seniors made up of handsets that are highly recommended on this blog.

Here are the mobile phones for seniors offered by Cordlessworkz:

(Click on the phones to go to their respective dedicated pages)

• Clarity Life Phone
• Jitterbug J
• Doro HandleEasy 330

If you've following this blog, then you'll recognize those handsets among the top cell phones for seniors in the market. This line-up indicates that the site is truly dedicated to the needs of elderly consumers.

Consumers can also purchase accessories, telephones and plans for hearing-impaired consumers at this store.

That's it for this supplier of top cell phones for senior citizens. Drop by often to get the latest updates, devices and news on handsets for the elderly.

Video Reviews of Mobile Phone for Seniors

There are many ways to learn about cell phone phones for seniors such as visiting websites and blogs dedicated to handsets for the elderly. However, a visit to YouTube allowed me to come into contact with a new way to learn about cell phones for seniors, video reviews.

Here are a couple of videos that offer reviews on a couple of familiar mobile phones for senior citizens, the Jitterbug J and the DoroPhone Easy:






I chose to post these short videos because they are entertaining as well as informative. If you want to view longer videos online, then you can get them at Youtube. You can find a video on almost any phone and other gadgets.

That's it for this post on video reviews of cell phones for seniors. Tune in to this blog for more news and information on senior-friendly mobile phones and services.

Jitterbug J in Red Announced at CES 2010

The Consumer Electronics Show or CES 201o is currently going on and this international event has featured a familiar mobile phone for seniors.

The Samsung A310 or Jitterbug J was released last year and a new version has been showcased at Las Vegas.

The Jitterbug J in Red was launched “in support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement” and is part of a health and wellness initiative which encourages women to “speak up” against heart diseases.

If the Jitterbug J cell phone for senior sales reach expectation then Samsung and Jitterbug will donate up to $500,000 to the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement. I have to say that this is a good cause.

What are the new features offered by this mobile phone for seniors? Well, this version offers health and wellness apps and services, including Jitterbug’s 24-hour LiveNurse service, and a “Daily Health Tips” application.

Of course, this handset for the elderly come with the familiar senior friendly specs and features like: a large keypad, Bluetooth, a large 2.1 inch display with 176 x 220 pixels, and a 1.07 inches external screen.

The Jitterbug J in Red cell phone for seniors will be available starting this month.


That's it for this post. Stay tuned to this blog for more news and updates on mobile phone for seniors and services.

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.