My parents are 82 and 83 years old.

They used to just have normal mobiles that they would only switch on when they wanted to be called and then they would sit at home in the evening being cold called from India all night by people trying to steal their money on their landline.

Anyway, my brother sister and I chipped in and bought them a smart phone each and then we set up a group family chat on Whatsapp that they realise means that they can keep in touch with their children and grandchildren passively and what is more they can phone me (for example) who lives abroad for free, do video calls etc and most importantly group calls that keeps the whole family together.

It has been a real god send for them and i would suggest to anyone who "doesn't want a smart phone" that the benefits from them of staying in touch and up to date with friends and family in such an easy way far outweighs the initial difficulties and maybe fear (that was really their issue I think) that people can have.