Several papers# point to links between social isolation, loneliness, depression cognitive decline and other health risks especially in older Australians. Hence, providing elders or other people suffering from cognitive decline with a means of conveniently staying in touch with family and friends may reduce associated health impacts.
There are many advantages that the BigPurplePhone offers over a ‘conventional’ smartphone to call and message others, safely keeping in touch. The first set of features listed below are common to all models of the BigPurplePhone while several additional features only available on SilverFox or SilverFox+ Editions follow.
Big Buttons
Our buttons are large and are in one line down the phone. It’s a fun phone to use, Loved Ones can scroll up and down easily with high-contrast icons.
Simple Menus
By having a large, uncluttered screen with minimal menus, a BigPurplePhone makes communications easy.
Such as a single button each for calls and messages reduces confusion with picture-driven navigation.
Contact Photos
Saving a photo for each Contact helps Loved Ones identify who they are calling and talking to.
Voicemail
Easy, full screen voicemail notification that is not easily missed. Simple one click call back feature.
Speakerphone
Loud Speakerphone, over 85 deciBels.
Accessible Dial Pad
With an extra-large, accessible dial pad, numbers pop out and a slight haptic pulse buzzes when a button is pressed making using the BigPurplePhone more convenient to use than the average smartphone.
Keyboard
Texting has never been easier with a large single-layer high-contrast keyboard, AA Accessibility-rated (Wc3 Convention). All the buttons you need on one layer means no hunting for numbers or emojis!
Speak a message
Ideal for unsteady hands and fat fingers! Simply tap the microphone symbol then speak and the message will be typed for you.
Camera
The BigPurplePhone has a 48 megapixel dual camera with buttons for easy use and visibility. Flip your phone and zoom with easy to see and use buttons. No need to swipe to zoom or exit the camera. When you save a photo, it is saved to the photo gallery so it is easily found!
Text Messages that have an image attached are also automatically saved to the photo gallery.
Full Screen Notifications
All BigPurplePhone display large, full screen notifications for New Messages, Missed calls, Missed Video calls, low battery, reminders and new photos.
No SPAM or Unwanted Calls/Texts
BigPurplePhone can block all unwanted SPAM and hoax callers and texts by enabling the Safe Callers List, keeping them safe from scams and identity theft..
Ideal for people with vulnerability to being scammed. Your Safe Callers List can be enabled when you set up your phone and will block any call that is not from a saved Contact.
No Fandangle
All Menu Settings are hidden so users don't get "lost" in phone Settings (volume is still available). We call this 'no fandangle" meaning no extras to confuse or complicate using the BigPurplePhone.
SOS Button
When SOS is activated, BigPurplePhone sends an emergency notification to your emergency contacts along with a Google Map link with the location of the phone.
It will then countdown from 10 before the option to then dial 000.
This feature is standard on the Talk&Text and SilverFox Editions of the BigPurplePhone and has the option to be disabled on the SilverFox and SilverFox+ Editions of the BigPurplePhone.
Help
All BigPurplePhone users can contact our friendly, Australian-based BigPurplePhone Call
Centre by calling 1300 206 306 or, if not urgent, send an email to support@bigpurplephone.com.au
The centre is manned 9-5 Mon-Fri AEST (excluding public holidays and specified dates closed for holidays as promoted at http://bigpurplephone.com.au from time to time).
BigPurplePhone SilverFox Features
The following features are only available on SilverFox or SilverFox+ Editions.
Auto Speakerphone
The BigPurplePhone can be set the phone so it always answers on Speakerphone:
Video Calls
One click video calls from BigPurplePhone through to Contact's phone and the ability to receive video calls placed on Family and Friends Portal at my.bigpurplephone.com
BigPurpleTalk TM
This has been developed by our team to help Loved Ones with low vision or cognitive decline so they can more confidently type with less taps and without having to “double tap to activate”.
BigPurpleTalk TM speaks as you touch a phone button, icon, keyboard or a contact. It can also read out a text message when you press on it.
Safe Callers List
Enabling the Safe Callers List protects Loved Ones from SPAM and hoax calls, keeping them safe from scams and identity theft.
AppShop
We have now added 70+ trusted, everyday apps to the BigPurplePhone SilverFox, including banking, grocery, health, hearing aid and social media apps. All the apps your Loved One already knows, in an easier to access way.
Every app is hand-picked and approved by BigPurplePhone, with large, clearly-labelled icons that are easy to see and simple to use.
Customer Care
Pressing on the Help button on the phone directly calls the BigPurplePhone Call Centre manned 9-5 Mon-Fri AEST (excluding public holidays and specified dates closed for holidays as promoted at http://bigpurplephone.com.au from time to time).
Summary
- Having friends and other social connections is good for your health and wellbeing.
- Being lonely or isolated can affect your mental, emotional and physical health.
- Older people who remain connected with others and have strong relationships are likely to have a better quality of life
From surveys and direct conversations, we know that seniors don’t want complicated gadgets with dozens of flashy features. What they value most in technology is:
- Reliability – it should work every time without glitches.
- Simplicity – clear menus, easy navigation and intuitive design.
- Privacy & Safety – no hidden risks, scams or data misuse.
- Support for human connection – technology should enhance relationships, not replace them.
At BigPurplePhone, we believe the most important measure of success is whether technology makes life feel easier not harder.
Related Articles
The Most Customisable Seniors Phone | BigPurplePhone
How to Buy a BigPurplePhone Through My Aged Care or NDIS (Step-by-Step Guide)
BigPurplePhone Product Videos | See How It Works
References on Loneliness, Depression and Cognitive Decline
Strong relationships, strong health
Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks
Are social isolation and loneliness associated with cognitive decline in ageing?