Clock radios are alarm clocks that also have radio tuners, be it AM, FM, or both. Considering how many smartphones also have this technology, younger individuals might find such a device rather old-fashioned.
However, they’re great for those who don’t like keeping a phone near their bed, since a radio alarm clock can gently wake you up with melodic tunes instead of harsh buzzing. They’re also useful for seniors when they have larger displays, high volume for hard hearing, and medication reminders.
Here are my top recommended simple clock radios for seniors.
Reviews: The Best Clock Radios for Seniors
The following are a handful of useful and simple radio alarm clocks for seniors. I chose these because they have easy to read displays, loud volume, and are simple to set-up and operate.
Setting up this clock for seniors and the elderly is as simple as it can get, largely due to the automatic functions for setting date and time. The volume level is sufficient both for waking up or just listening to the radio.
Digital tuning comes with memory for up to 20 stations thanks to in-built FM antennas. The dimmer control has three levels of brightness, and couples can enjoy dual alarm functions spread across daily settings, weekdays-only, and weekends-only.
Pros:
- Clock automatically sets itself just by plugging the clock in
- Buttons are bigger than most others
- Snooze button is easy to find and use
- Large, bright, and clear display
Cons:
- Multi-function button might confuse some users
Know a senior that would like to wake up slowly and soothingly? Many alarm clocks are quite gung-ho when they go off. Some would even say militant. This clock has a progressive alarm which gets louder gradually so someone can wake up leisurely and softly.
This clock still has the traditional buzzer sound or you can wake with the radio for seniors who prefer that method. The cube design makes for easy placement or fitting into modern decor. The orange display is easily read but still soft on the eyes in the middle of the night.
Pros:
- Nice sized display that is clear and easy to read
- Buttons are clearly labeled with contrasting print
- Volume wheel on side is easy to find
- Snooze button is easy to find
Cons:
- Some buttons are small
JENSEN JCR-210 AM/FM Digital Dual Alarm Clock Radio with Nature Sounds
Is there a senior in your life who could use big, bold, bright numbers? If so, then this is a great clock to consider. The LED display is 1.2 inches in size, easily laying out information like the current time and radio station. Glasses aren’t usually necessary to read this screen, and setting both the alarm time and level of screen brightness is very easy to do.
Program up to 10 AM and FM presets with digital PLL tuning, and set the clock for waking either by alarm, radio, or nature sounds!. Snooze and sleep functionalities are both included. Plus, it even plays nature sounds and white noise to help you fall asleep.
Pros:
- Large, bright display
- Large snooze button is easy to find in the dark
- Other buttons are bigger too
- Plays nature sounds and white noise
Cons:
- Print on some of the buttons are small
Electrohome Retro Alarm Clock Radio With Motion Activated Night Light (CR35W)
Many seniors love the retro design of this particular clock. Even though it doesn’t hearken all the way back to their childhood years, the 1990’s style of this clock is still a trip back in time. The throwback design doesn’t sacrifice features though.
While the retro design usually suits senior home decor and tastes for older aesthetics, this clock has a motion-activated nightlight sensor. It also comes with digital AM/RM radio using phase-locked loop tuning and a dual alarm option, complete with weekend cancellation. SelfSet technology automatically updates the clock when going in and out of Daylight Savings Time.
Pros:
- Just wave your hand to snooze the alarm
- Time sets itself
- Bright, easy to read display
- Weekend cancellation feature for the alarm
Cons:
- Buttons are very small and use symbols only for labels
Electrohome Digital Clock Radio (EAAC201)
This is a more modern-looking clock radio, featuring a 6-inch LED display screen for very easy reading. Battery operation means not having to plug it in or worry about power outages, and even makes it a good travel companion.
Couples can enjoy the dual alarm function as well as 20 programmable AM/FM stations. Brightness settings can be set high or low, and both snooze and sleep functionalities are also included.
Pros:
- Easy to read display
- Buttons have contrasting print making them easier to read
- Battery backup for power outages
- Dual alarm settings
Cons:
- Buttons are somewhat small
Buying Guide: What Should You Look For In A Simple Senior-Friendly Clock Radio?
The specific set of features you or a senior you care for need in a clock radio is really dependent upon the intended user. However, the general rule of thumb is just ease of use.
- Buttons need to be easy to press.
- The alarm clock should be simple to set.
- Controls should be easily visible.
- Volume should be extra loud if hearing is an issue.
- Multiple alarms help couples or those that take naps or have to remember meals and medication.
- Big LCD or LED screens should show more than the time, but also AM/PM, day of the week, and the date, perhaps even with weather data.
- A sunrise simulator and a big snooze button also make waking up in the morning much easier to do for those that have earned it in their golden years.
Why Seniors Need Simple Alarm Clocks
People need alarms of all kinds to get up on time most days of their lives. That never changes. What can change is someone’s health and condition, which is why seniors might have different needs in their alarm clocks.
Alzheimers and dementia can make it harder for sufferers to set their alarm clocks or operate them in the dark. Deteriorating vision or hearing are even more common, so large screens and loud sounds make as much sense as big buttons, which arthritis sufferers find very useful too.
Various Kinds Of Radios
There was a time that radios were only used for music and news. However, they’ve come a long way since then. There are now portable radios featuring battery-operation for cordless mobility, wireless radios running off of Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connections, and satellite radios getting their signals from the stars.
Still, seniors are likely to like simple AM/FM operation. They’re probably the most familiar with it, and it can easily keep them up to date with local news and weather.
Benefits Of Alarm Clock Radios for Seniors
Even though many alarm clock radios have snooze functionality, snoozing isn’t a given. When someone wakes up listening to music they like, they’re more likely to focus on it, preventing them from falling back asleep.
Music also means they can avoid harsh buzzing sounds. The biggest benefit is keeping their cell phone put away, since they won’t stay up late chatting with grandkids or watching cat videos.
Infographic: Choosing Clock Radios for Seniors
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<a href="POST-URL"><img style="width:100%;" src="INFOGRAPHIC URL"></a><br>Design by: <a href="https://www.grayingwithgrace.com">Graying With Grace</a>Summary and Final Recommendations
Now that you’ve read all this, you understand the need for simple radio alarm clocks for seniors, the features to look for, the benefits of them. I hope one of my top picks will meet your every need.
Tell me about your experiences with clock radios in the comments below. Do yo have a specific model you recommend?
Some mention of radio sensitivity in femtowatts and how loud the radio will go with a strong FM station and volume turned all the way up in DBA would be helpful for comaparison