In our previous newsletter, we shared an article about the relationship between seniors and technology. Not all seniors prefer to interact too much with technology. Whether this technology is Facebook, smartphones or simply the internet itself, all seniors most likely need to have access to a cellphone.
In today’s world, it is almost a necessity for all seniors to have a cellphone. If there is an emergency or a family member needs to be contacted, a cellphone is handy. Most adults have a cellphone and therefore is the most direct way for any senior family member or friend to get in contact with them.
Now, just because it is now common for everyone to carry a cellphone, this does not mean that a senior has to go out and buy the latest iPhone 5c. There are a multitude of basic cellphone options for seniors to choose from. These cellphones also come with reasonable data plans and can have the most basic function of performing a phone call or sending a text message.
There are No-Contract Phones available
This basically means buying a prepaid cellphone (also known as a “pay as you” cellphone). With these prepaid plans, there is no contract. This means that you purchase a certain amount of prepaid minutes with the cellphone, and use it as needed. You can add minutes to this prepaid bill at any time and avoid monthly fixed bills, credit check, or other hidden issues that can be associated with signing a cellphone contract.
There are a number of major carriers that offer prepaid plans, such as AT&T and Verizon; but, other services such as Net10, Cricket and others offer affordable plans too. One popular service is TracFone. TracFone offers phones that start as low as $10 and call plans that are only $7 a month.
Simple and affordable.
Free Cell Phones are also an option
If your income is low enough, there is a government-sponsored program that subsidizes wireless (and landline) companies who then provide free cellphones and around 250 minutes of free minutes and texts.
Millions of Americans are currently signed up for this government program. However, millions of others are also eligible for this service. You will need to show that you’re receiving certain types of government benefits (such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI, home energy assistance or public housing assistance) to qualify.
However, do not let the fear of not being able to afford a cellphone keep you from researching to see if you have the option of receiving a cellphone free from the government.
When you have an emergency, it is a comfort for both yourself and your loved ones if you know you have readily available a way to reach out for help. A fear of uncertainty with technology or that you cannot afford a cellphone/cellphone bill should not hold you back. There are lots of options and help out there.
**This article was written with the assistance of the following article from the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-t-miller/low-cost-and-free-cell-ph_b_5575971.html**
