Cell phones are probably the most prized piece of technology that any of us own. They offer convenient communication and portability. They offer security by keeping us constantly connected to others. As time has passed, they've also added on a myraid of other functions that millions of us love and use regularly.

Many cell phones provide their users with entertainment functions for viewing video, listening to MP3 and other music files, taking digital photos, and even recording some video. They're increasingly used for accessing information on the internet, checking e-mail, and messaging others via text rather than voice. Some also give users the capability of accessing GPS services for navigation and location.

Cell phones of the future are expected to even allow us to make purchases with them, much as we do with credit cards. They are our all purpose device and they will probably continue adding exciting new features in coming years.

The unfortunate side of this of course is the increased cost, the complexity, and the fact that for some segments of the popularion, these are not the features they desire. Marketing and development of these devices ignores some pockets of the population.

I wouldn't say that many groups have been completely ignored as cell phones have evolved but they've certainly been an afterthought in most instances. Braille phones are just now being discussed for the blind and visually impaired. Touch screen phones that provide tactile feedback are only a baby step toward making these most coveted devices accessible to the blind. Phones that are hearing aid compatible came on strong in the market place only in the past few years. For the deaf, at least in the US, the ability to use cell phone video for real time transmission that allows the use of signing rather than voice, is still in the future for the most part.

For the elderly, there are a few options out there that provide a more simple phone. Perhaps one that is easier to handle, easier to navigate, sits closer to the ear to reduce background noise, larger buttons, and large font that's easier to read. The Jitterbug and the Samsung Knack are two examples.

However, improvements could be made. Cell phones with functions that are more useful to these indivdiuals should be considered during the development phase. As an example, I will focus on the elderly population here.

Certainly many seniors want a basic cell phone for calling purposes, one with fewer bells and whistles to complicate matters. Although there are certainly people over the age of 65 who may use the internet, may text message, or might enjoy the camera function; many seniors have some difficulty with either fine motor function, reduced near vision, or some degree of hearing loss which make these functions either useless or simply not ones they enjoy.

On the other hand, there may be functions that would be beneficial for seniors who are aging and experiencing other issues. Certainly, the following suggestions aren't the result of a market analysis but they are some hints about the kinds of things that seniors sometimes encounter. In addition, they are the kind of added functions that could drive more seniors toward cell phones.

- Medication Reminders

As people age they tend to accumulate more medications that need to be taken to address chronic health issues. Remembering to take these medications at the prescribed time can be difficult. In addition, remembering that they were indeed taken becomes problematic as well. An auditory reminder to take the medication, a way of indicating once it was taken, and a log to look back on that record, would be useful for many elderly individuals. The caveat of course is that it has to be simple; something that doesn't require navigating multiple screens. There are tools on the market that do this, but adding the function to a cell phone might make the phone itself more useful.

-- Blood Pressure or Glucose Monitoring

Again, the need to monitor blood pressure and glucose sometimes crops up as we age. The tools to do this are out there, but once again, this function is still more useful for hundreds of thousands of seniors than the ability to stream MP3 files.

-- Fall Sensor

The biggest safety risk (and fear) for many elderly individuals is a fall. A fall can spell the end of independence or can end in death, if help isn't on the way soon. There are medical alarm systems that allow individuals to press a button to get help. But what happens if they're unconscious or unable to activate the button? Perhaps a cell phone could have a fall sensor. Obviously, this would have to be a very "wearable" phone, so that it was on the person nearly all of the time. When a fall is perceived, it could call a pre-programmed number. The person receiving the call could attempt to speak to the person, or if there is no response, to send EMS. Having this sensor in the cell phone is also better than current medical alert systems as the phone could accompany the senior wherever they go. Even seniors who are relatively healthy could consider this a great benefit if they live alone. Of course, this phone would also need to be completely waterproof so that it could accompany them in the bath tub or shower, where falls are most likely to occur.

-- Appointment Reminders

Yes, not only do medications have a tendency to increase as we age, but medical appointments do as well. Auditory reminders of upcoming appointments might be very useful for many elderly. Again, simplicity in getting the information entered is critical.

-- Auto On

This is more of a feature than a function, but it at least partially addresses a common complaint I hear from family members of elderly individuals who carry cell phones already. The concern is that they are unaccustomed to carrying the phone and turning it on regularly. Perhaps some cell phones should have a feature that gives out an auditory/visual alert at a given time to assure the individual is reminded to pick it up. It could have an "auto on" feature, so that it turns on once picked up for the day.

Certainly the needs of any individual are quite specific, but these are some of the common types of cell phone functions and features that I've envisioned as I've dealt with the elderly.

Photo Credits:

Introduction: hweiling.

Types of Functions: giopuo.