Unlike ordinary telephones, which operate either via landlines or cell towers, a WiFi phone, as could easily be surmised, uses wireless Internet to make it’s telephone calls. While this may initially seem to limit the capabilities of such a device, in reality it provides a quickly-growing and less expensive alternative to other telephones. The Belkin Skype phone employs a program called Skype, enabling the user to place calls to anyone else with a Skype account on either a computer or another Skype-enabled phone. Instead of having a phone number, the user is able to call other people with a Skype account. This entire process is done over the Internet entirely free of charge, making it a great investment!

While the number of Wi-Fi only phones on the market is currently small, Skype has emerged as a leader in the field, enabling countless users to make free calls online. In addition to calls made to computers, apps are quickly becoming available on the iPhone and Android phones to increase the number of users. While it might take a bit of a learning curve for Mom, the result is a great deal! The Belkin phone is activated entirely separate from a computer, but her account will cross-over as well. On the computer version of Skype, it’s possible to video chat with spectacular clarity. I’ve personally used Skype to keep in touch with loved ones from across the country. It’s a great Mother’s Day present, especially if Mom is somewhere far away. What better gift than one that makes it easier for her to hear your voice and see your face?

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So I recently watched Gran Tarino the movie starring and directed by Clint Eastwood and I LOVED IT!

Even at 82 Clint Eastwood is still excellent and ripe with pure molten talent and bad-assness!

I am not going to ruin the movie for you but I do recommend you watch it. I will say there was a scene in the movie that inspired this post.

Clint’s well meaning son and daughter-in-law decide to purchase a series of “senior living” products for his birthday.

• A claw thing that is suppose to help him reach for hard to get items.
• A phone with HUGE buttons. (Implying of course that he is so geriatric  that he can’t see)
• And a series of pamphlets for Senior Living Retirement homes…

Suffice to say Clint’s character was NOT amused and greatly insulted. (Albeit the scene was funny)

Which got me thinking when is it safe to start hinting to your parents or grand parents that they might want to upgrade everyday appliances and gadgets to more “senior” assisted versions?
Prime example, the BIG BUTTONED PHONE.

I actually think this is a great idea and must surely be useful for a number of older folks. My question is how do you go about discretely recommending it or discretely swapping out gramps current model for this one?

Any ideas? …

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