When reporters write a review for Presto, many times they also mention Jitterbug because it shows a trend for products targeted towards the older demographic. Interestingly, I've seen ads now from Verizon pushing a simple phone and senior oriented calling plan. Looks like the big boys are aiming their sights at Jitterbug.

Presto Insider: Peter Radsliff
CEO, Presto Services Inc.

Marie, I'm right there with you on your wish that someone would create a CD player for the elderly! 

Maybe you feel some of this too... the worst part for me is when the person (our loved one) really *enjoys* their music (or whatever), and then doesn't listen to it *because* the technology is too complicated for them.

I end up feeling not only frustrated by this -- but sad!  

I feel really bummed out sometimes by the fact that my grandmother could theoretically be getting more enjoyment out of her days,  if only some things were easier for her to use!

 So... I've struggled with this, with regard to many appliances.  IE:  I sunk $200 into one of those "pod" coffee makers for her, where there's no fuss or filter clean-up, and one cup can be brewed at a time.  But alas, the machine only gets used when I come over to visit.  To me it seems so ultra simple and uncomplicated.  But to her... well, she just gets too freaked out and confused to use it. 

Anyway a related (but opposite) story... I was chatting with a young man recently (at my local car dealership - I was shopping for a new car) and he mentioned that he'd just given his 93 year old grandfather an iPod Shuffle!  And amazingly his grandfather loves the thing and uses it daily!

So I don't know.  I've been giving this some thought and have been trying to figure out:  is there someting about the Shuffle that makes it easier to use?  Or perhaps, it could be that this guy in particular just isn't as fearful of the new technology... I'm really not sure. 

Regardless, my initial point was that I understand your frustration!  I've also become skeptical recently of even trying out new products (like the Jitterbug).  I used to just try new things for my grandmother, whenever, wherever.  But another thing that changes when we're caring for elderly relatives is the exponential escalation of medical costs, and the cost to run two households.   It's really been blowing my mind.  And then on top of it, to purchase things that never get used... it's very frustrating. 

Diane