SeniorCitizen
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GreatCall outs Samsung-made Jitterbug Plus, for folks who want a phone without all the smarts
Adding features to a senior-friendly phone kind of defeats the purpose, but a sleeker design, improved battery life and boosted speaker? Sure, we'll take it. That's what you'll get with the new Jitterbug Plus, a bare-bones mobile phone for users who really only need to make and receive calls, and perhaps check the occasional voicemail. Manufactured by Samsung, the no-frills r220 includes an incredibly straightforward interface, with clearly marked Yes and No button options and large, backlit keys, including a panic button that puts you in touch with a 5Star Urgent Response agent. This latest model also adds a very basic 1.3-megapixel camera, which lets you post photos to Facebook with the touch of a button (you'll need to forgo the Instagram filters, though). The Jitterbug Plus is available now in red or silver for $99 at retailers like Best Buy, Radio Shack and Fry's, along with the company's online store, however pricing is expected to jump to $119 shortly after launch. Overall, the device appears to be a great choice for seniors, though CNET called the phone "overpriced" in its review, which you'll find at the link below.
Introducing Memo Touch, a tablet designed for elders with short-term memory loss
Here's a product you don't see every day: a tablet designed specifically for senior citizens -- albeit with rather limited functionality. The Memo Touch is designed as a reminder tool for those who struggle with short-term memory loss, and can be used to deliver gentle cues when its time to take a medication, go to the doctor and the like. It's collaborative, too, as family members may add calendar events, phone numbers and to-do items, or even share photos and personalized messages, all from the product's companion website. Based on the Archos 101, the Memo Touch sells for $299 and requires a six-month ($174) or 12-month ($300) subscription. For those who don't take to the new-fangled gadget, the tablet carries a three month return policy, where purchasers may opt to receive a refund or have the tablet restored to its Android roots. Hey, it's one more way of keeping that rascally parent under your thumb, anyway. Overbearing children will find a full press release after the break. Now, where'd we put that damn tablet?
Seniors in Chicago are Wii crazy
It's been awhile since we've heard anything else on Nintendo's continued effort to lure in that elusive 'gray gamer.' Well, a recent article in the Chicago Tribune tells of an older community where the Wii has taken everyone's interest hostage and threatens to never let it go. Seriously, it has a gun ... and it knows how to use it.The community, which is the Sedgebrook retirement community in Lincolnshire, has an average age of 77 and according to this article, is bringing a bit of youth back to the lives of these senior citizens. Turns out, Wii Sports: Bowling is like a drug to these folk; they can't get enough and we assume if someone threatens them with taking the game away, that individual will face death (no doubt they'll run that individual over very slowly) . One resident backs up our claims of addiction, stating "I've never been into video games." Flora Dierbach, who is a young 72 years old, goes on to say "But this is addictive."Have any of your grandparents or parents been caught up in Wii fever?[Via 1P Start]
