Ever wonder what would happen if old people got their hands on this modern technology that you and I experience ubiquitously in our youthful and exciting lives? One company dared to wonder and have recently released the aptly named “Jitterbug” cell phone. You and I aren’t supposed to know what Jitterbug means. The phone has such features as jumbo sized keypads and bright screen displays, extra sharp and clear sound that reduces background noise, and a familiar dial tone to “confirm service”. Technology for the elderly, or for the service of those operating geriatric facilities of course represents a huge potential market. As the baby boomers retire, they take their extra time and disposable cash with them- as the theory goes. And so naturally someone would develope this product. I also heard that someone is developing rocket powered GPS diapers and a Timothy Leary brand, Internet-ready, no slip Wetware tub.

The impressive thing about the Jitterbug- aside from the fact that it’s basically a cell phone from 15 years ago repackaged- is that it comes with a host of personalized services. 24 hour assistance, a live nurse quick dial, and  roadside assistance. All this available through all the old familiar stores, or to purchase through Jitterbug’s online store. The unimpressive thing is that hundreds of thousands have been recalled because they don’t connect to 911 due to software bugs.

No doubt one of the paradoxes of technology is that as we age we get simpler and slower, but the technology gets more complex and faster. So congrats to Jitterbug for having the courage to venture into this theoretically large but challenging market. I wonder if we’ll have twitter or other social networking apps designed for the elderly soon too? Oh wait, it’s called writing a letter.