This is a somewhat belated response to this post. I would just like to say that as a member of a seniors group, we have been asked to run courses on how to use a mobile phone, as most find even the instructions hard to follow and the "extras" just confuse them.. I would like a phone that doesn't have all the gadgets, like internet, phone, gps, music etc. Get back to basics for those who want it,. I have a GPS, a laptop connected to the internet, a digital camera, an MP3 player in my car, I do not want these facilities on my phone. Talking to other seniors, they don't either. Just make a basic mobile phone with larger keys, increased volume and headphones and in my opinion, seniors would be happy.

Pommy I saw a report on tele. speaking of the exact phone you are speaking of.

Very simple - no bells and whistles - large keys - large display - speaks the number

www.Seniorphone.com.au

Sounds fantastic and on special right now $179.00 usually $219.00

Phyl.

Also looks great www.bigbuttons.com.au



How wonderful Seniors and those looking for a simple mobile phone are being catered for and it does not cost an arm and a leg.

Have a great day folks.

Phyl.

Thanks for that Phyl, I will pass this information on. Even some home phones are becoming too "technical" for some older folks. A 90 year old friend of mine had great difficulty when she got her new phone and could not believe she had to have an instruction manual on how to use it. She kept cutting people off when they rang and couldn't understand why when she dialled a number that nothing happened. When she was told to press "talk", her response was "when I do that, i cut people off". I've told her to use her Vitalcall if she has an emergency, because I think she would just get in panic if she tried to ring for an ambulance or whatever.

[size=3][/size] Hi Pommy, Its a common problem isn't it? People out there are crying for help! I work for Telstra and coordinate a group called Telstra Connected Seniors and, amongst other things, we provide grants to clubs and associations wanting to help their members through the basics of using the mobile phone or the internet. This grant round has literally just closed but there will be another one opening soon. To find out the dates for the new round or the scheduled free sessions in Melbourne and Sydney, check out www.telstraseniors.com.au. Hope you find it useful! Nita

Thanks Nita1 - very useful information, particularly as I am on the committee of a seniors club in Canberra. I have checked out the site but can't find when the next round of grants are due? The only one mentioned has closed. I have signed on for the newsletter. Can I assume the information will be in there?

[size=3][/size] Great news Pommy. The next round is pencilled in for early 2010 but will definitely be mentioned in the newsletter. Might be worth checking out the website from time to time though as we are constantly updating our "How To" guides and educational material. Have a look around, you may find something that will help your members in the meantime. www.telstraseniors.com.au

Thank you Nita1, I will take on board everything you have suggested. I have one question - when I checked out the grants I noticed the ACT wasn't mentioned. Was this because they didn't receive a grant or that the ACT is just bundled in with NSW. So many organisations do this, and it is very frustrating.

[size=3][/size] We wouldn't forget about you guys in ACT ;-) We accept grant applications from all states Pommy. You may have been looking at the successful past recipient section. Lead the way! You may well be our first ACT specific recipient.... Good luck!

just out of curiosity, Administrator, who did you give the 3 phones to & what is the situation with the review?