Dear Savvy Living,

"I'm looking for an easy-to-use, senior-friendly cell phone without all the bells and whistles. What's available today?"


Dear Phobic,

Not everybody wants a cell phone for text messaging, taking pictures, listening to music or surfing the web. Some people actually want one for the sole purpose of making and receiving calls. If you're in the market for a simplified cell phone with limited features that's easy to see, hear and use, you're in luck. There are several on the market that are specifically designed with seniors and technophobes in mind. Here are several to check out.

Jitterbug: These simple cell phones have been a huge success since they hit the market a few years ago. Made by Samsung, the Jitterbug (www.jitterbug.com; 800-918-8543) comes in two flip-open models - the "Dial," which has a full numerical keypad and the "OneTouch," which has only three buttons labeled "Operator," "911" and "My Choice" for any number you program in. Both models provide large-size text on a brightly colored screen and "yes" and "no" buttons (rather than confusing icons to choose easy-to-understand options). They also offer voice dialing, an ear cushion that cups around your ear to improve sound quality, a 24-hour jitterbug operator who will place calls for you and optional services like voicemail, roadside assistance and even simple texting. Both Jitterbug phones sell for $147 with no contract and calling plans start at $10 per month plus talk-time.

ClarityLife: Available to consumers just since November 2008, this new rectangular shaped phone focuses on simplicity and amplification for seniors with hearing loss. It comes with a big, bright display screen with magnified text, simple four-button navigation (along with a full numeric keypad that slides out from the bottom of the phone), a dedicated one-touch emergency button that will instantly contact loved ones and a volume control that amplifies incoming sound up to 20 decibles. It's also hearing aid compatible and comes with a handy built-in flashlight. Available at www.clarityproducts.com (or 800-426-3738) for $270 with no required contract, the ClarityLife sells as an "unlocked" handset, which means it can be used on any GSM network, such as T-mobile, AT&T and Sprint.

Knack: Also new on the market, this is an uncomplicated flip-phone that recently earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. Available through Verizon Wireless (www.verizonwireless.com; 800-256-4646), the Knack offers lots of senior-friendly features like elevated number keys, a bright colorful screen, simplified menu with adjustable font sizes, a dedicated 911 button, three programmable "In Case of Emergency" (ICE) contacts, a built-in speakerphone and voice command option and it's hearing aid compatible. The Knack sells for $40 with a two-year contract and monthly calling plans starting at $30 for customers age 65 and older.

Other Phones

There are several other simplified phones new to the market that are worth a look, including the Pantech Breeze available through AT&T (www.wireless.att.com; 888-333-6651); HandleEasy 330 and 326i created by Doro (www.doro.com); ChitterChatter 1890 developed by Hop-on Wireless (www.hop-on.com); and the Coupe which is sold by Verizon Wireless (www.verizonwireless.com; 800-256-4646).

Cheaper Option

If you're interested in a cell phone for the primary purpose of being able to get assistance in emergencies, you can save money by choosing a prepaid or pay-as-you-go calling plan. With these plans you prepay for a certain amount of minutes with no required contract. Companies that offer them include AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, U.S. Cellular, Alltel, Tracfone, Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile and Consumer Cellular.

Another option for lower income seniors over age 60 is a national program called Phones for Life that provides free emergency-only cell phones. Visit www.phones4life.org or call 818-569-3057 to see if you qualify. Also check with your local law enforcement agency or area aging agency to see if there's an emergency cell phone program near you.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Senior" book. The articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.