Gadgets for the senior citizen

Mitashi Senior Friend Smart Phone AP103

New gadgets tend to keep in mind the present tech-savvy generation. But with more and more people in the 60-plus age group using technology, specific products are now being made for this section. We take a look at some senior-citizen friendly technology.

Mitashi Senior Friend Smart Phone AP103

Rs.5,990*

Mitashi launched its first smartphone for senior citizens in October. This is an Android-based touch-screen smartphone with easily accessible features. The phone screen is 4 inches and it comes with a slot for two SIM cards. The font size of the text and icons is large, making it easier to read messages and find contact names. The icons are colour coded, which makes them easier to spot. For instance, the call option is green, photographs is blue, and camera is orange. The phone has an SOS button on the screen for emergencies. When it’s pressed, an alert will be sent to preset emergency contacts.

The Mitashi Senior Friend Smart Phone AP103 is available on Mitashi’s website or e-commerce websites such as Flipkart and Amazon.

iBall Aasaan 2

Rs.3,249

It may not be a smartphone but it comes with features that are pretty useful for the elderly. It has an extra-large keypad with a bright backlight, a talking keypad, a bright orange screen with large characters, extra-loud ringtones/call volume and a built-in LED flashlight. This phone, too, comes with an SOS key. In case of an emergency, all you have to do is press the button—a siren will go off and it will call preset emergency numbers.

It is available on e-commerce websites as well as brick-and-mortar stores such as The MobileStore.

TV Ears 5.0

Rs.23,800 onwards

For those who have a hearing problem, TV Ears offers a solution. This wireless TV listening device uses an infrared signal similar to the one in your TV remote control. It will help you hear the TV clearly without turning up the volume on the set itself. You will be able to listen to TV at the volume setting that best suits your needs, while other people can adjust the volume to fit theirs. It is lightweight and is designed to rest under your chin, not on your head. It even comes with noise-cancelling technology. The Dual Digital version of the TV Ears 5.0 is compatible with any TV set.

It can be ordered on Junglee.com.

Med-e-lert

Rs.14,045

The older you get, the more likely that you will be taking a number of pills. It is quite a task to remember when to take which medication. Med-e-lert can help with this problem. It is an automated pill dispenser with 28 compartments; it can hold up to a week’s supply of pills, which can be dispensed up to four times a day. You can set an alarm for the time the pills have to be taken. A loud buzzer continues to ring till you take a pill from the compartment.

It’s available on e-commerce websites like Snapdeal and eBay.

Kindle Paperwhite e-book reader

Rs.10,999 onwards

Amazon’s Kindle is a reader recommended for older people. The Kindle has different models and features that make reading easier. It has both touch-screen and standard options—the former is recommended. The Kindle Paperwhite is a touch-screen variant that uses “e-ink” technology which lets you read outside too without glare. It has an adjustable backlight which is said to reduce screen fatigue. Amazon says you can hold the Paperwhite in one hand since it is light. It has eight different font sizes, and a 3G option.

It’s available on the Amazon website. ​

*Prices may vary.