Senior Living News

Importance of Phone Cases

Slipping a case on your cell phone shows off your personality and lets you express your style, but it's also a crucial form of protection. Dropping your phone is always a risk when you take it with you everywhere. Older adults might have an increased need to protect their phones due to a weak grip, shakiness or frequent falls.

A durable phone case protects the fragile structure of the phone. If you drop your phone, the case can absorb the shock and keep the phone in pristine condition. That means you get more life out of your phone and don't have to pay for a costly replacement. Even if you have insurance to protect against damage, you may have to pay a deductible, and you have to deal with the hassle of getting a new phone.

You can also choose extra features that make your cell phone easier to use. Those details can make it easier to grip the phone and protect it based on the activities you do regularly.

Phone Cases vs. Screen Protectors

A phone case covers the back and sides of your phone. It typically curves around the front edge of your phone slightly. Screen protectors cover just the screen of your phone. Some phone cases have built-in screen protectors, but you can also buy them separately and use them together.

Cases help absorb the shock of general falls. Screen protectors primarily prevent scratches on the screen from everyday use. Some extra-durable screen protectors also help keep the screen from cracking or shattering if you drop the phone.

Helpful Phone Case Features

All cell phone cases provide protection, but some options cater more to the needs of older adults. Think about your needs to determine which features you should look for. Some common details that help include:

• Easy grip. If possible, test out the cell phone case to ensure you can hold onto it easily. Larger cases are sometimes better if you have limited dexterity in your hands. Some phones have bumpy edges to give you a spot to hold onto easily. Look for grippy rather than slick material to help you keep your phone in your hand.
• Loops. Some cases have built-in loops, rings or straps on the back that give you an extra grip. You put a finger through the loop to hold your phone securely.
• Holster. Choosing a phone case with a holster lets you keep your phone close at all times. This comes in handy if you fall and need to call for help. With your phone clipped to your waistband, you can still reach it if you fall and can't get up.
• Strap. A case with a cross-body strap is an alternative to a holster case. This option features a long strap similar to that of a purse strap. The strap clips to the case to hold your phone near your body at all times, giving you easy access if you need to call for help.
• Durability. Falls are more common in older adults, and weak hands might cause you to drop your phone more often. Look for a case that absorbs the shock of a fall well. Thicker cases often provide more protection if you drop your device.
• Built-in stand. Choosing a phone case with a built-in stand is an option if you video chat with friends and family frequently. You can set up the phone with the stand instead of holding it for the entire video call.
• Visibility. If you have vision difficulties, choosing a brightly colored phone case that's easy to spot can help. The bright design makes the phone visible from a distance.
• Charging capabilities. When you're a busy senior, you're often on the go away from your apartment at LifeStream at Youngtown. Cases with built-in chargers keep your battery powered no matter where your adventures take you.
• Magnetic mount compatibility. Some phone cases are magnetic to work with your magnetic phone mounts. This option is ideal if you like to go on road trips or spend a lot of time in your car. The case easily attaches to your mount for hands-free use.
• Water protection. If your adventures take you out into nature, you might want a phone case that's waterproof. It can prevent water damage if you get stuck in the rain or drop your phone in water.

Exploring all the features of phone cases helps you choose one that meets your needs as a senior on the go. Focus on how much protection the case provides first. Then, look at the additional features that make the case more functional based on your physical needs and preferences.

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