Choosing SIM cards for elderly customers
In the UK alone, around 3.6m older people live by themselves. That’s a lot, especially when you factor in feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can seriously impact overall wellbeing.
The good news is, SIM cards for elderly customers not only give them the chance to become more connected with their loved ones, but also provide services according to specific needs - a great thing if you’re on a fixed income.
What to look for in a SIM
If you’re elderly, a few factors to keep in mind when choosing a SIM card include:
- Calls and texts - do you spend a lot of time talking on the phone? How many messages do you send? If the answer is, “A lot”, then finding a package that allows plenty of calls and texts is essential. For instance, we offer a Talk & Text SIM, which gives you unlimited texts and calls for £4 a month!
- Data usage - accessing the internet on-the-go is becoming more and more vital, regardless of age. Getting a generous amount of data could come in handy for everyday tasks, as well as using some of the best apps for the elderly while out and about.
- Pay as you go (PAYG) - if you don’t anticipate using your phone each day, pay as you go credit is probably your best option. Most of the time an initial fee of £10 is required for calls, texts and data, but after that, you only need to top up as and when you need. At Asda, we offer great value pay as you go rates.
- SIM only - a lot of SIM only deals on the market today allow you to pick different packages depending on how you use your device. Just remember that with these types of deals, no handset is supplied, so you will need to purchase either a new or pre-owned phone beforehand.
SIM cards for elderly people travelling abroad
Plenty of elderly people choose to spend their golden years seeing the world, experiencing different countries and cultures, and making new friends along the way. While this all sounds great (and believe us, it does!) silver globetrotters should know that using a SIM card abroad is not the same as in the UK.
For instance, 100GB of data may not seem like much here at home, but using that amount overseas could end up costing you much more than you budgeted for.
Ahead of your jetsetting adventure, take a look at our advice regarding SIM cards for overseas travel and avoid getting caught out before takeoff.
How to set up your new SIM
Even the most technically minded people can find setting up a new SIM card challenging. And with many network providers now offering bundles available to buy online and activate at home, just as many customers - young and old - are finding themselves baffled.
That is why Asda mobile has put together a short video tutorial (less than two minutes) taking you through the SIM setup process step by step. Alongside this, you will also find a clear set of instructions on activating your SIM and how to check it works properly.
Phone care tips for elderly customers
So, you’ve got your new SIM set up - amazing! But what about keeping it in tip-top condition? Although it may sometimes feel like looking after a phone is more hassle than it’s worth, if you’re an elderly person, maintaining an effective line of communication with the special people in your life means knowing how to take care of your phone so that its performance stays high.
Some general phone care tips to bear in mind are:
- Call or text at least once a week - this should keep your phone active and prevent disconnection. As a reminder, note it down as something to do on your calendar.
- Remember your pay as you go terms - credit usually expires if it hasn’t been used after a certain amount of time, meaning you’ll lose whatever you paid for it. In most cases, the cut-off period is 90 days, although different networks have different terms and conditions, so be sure to check yours thoroughly. With us, as long as you top up every 180 days you’ll be fine.
- Charge your phone regularly - as an elderly person, charging your phone battery is very important, especially in case of an emergency. Even if you don’t use your phone every day, you should still make sure it’s charged. Also, remember disconnection can happen if a phone remains inactive for too long. Your network should send you a warning letter if this is about to happen, giving you plenty of time to act accordingly.
- Establish safeguards - if you are an elderly person who’s vulnerable in any way, such as hard of hearing, partially sighted, etc., it is wise to get emergency alerts set up on your phone. A responsible caregiver can show you how these work, and they themselves will also know if there’s an emergency.
Whether you’re retired and want to be better connected or simply wondering what all the fuss is about with the internet, check out some of the best phones for seniors and the elderly at Asda mobile and get an appropriate SIM to match!
