You could just get a regular house phone line, or more likely a basic cellular phone. However, you will be missing out so much. You can think of your smartphone as a computer in your pocket. Many Lifeline cellular providers will give you free data, and offer to give you a free smartphone. Keep in mind that they are likely to give you a low end off brand phone that would not serve you well. If your Lifeline provider supports eSIM?, then you can get an Android, or iPhone. If your provider does not offer eSIM, you must go with Android, and you will want to check that phone to make sure there is a nano-SIM slot.
So, how will a smartphone benefit you? Well, first you can install applications on the phone. If you decide to use social networks, most if not all social networks have an app that will make things a little more convenient. You can also use a smartphone to remind you of your appointments, and other important dates, and events. If you use Google Contacts, you can download your contacts to your smartphone even if you have an iPhone. This could save you hours of work as you likely don’t have a keyboard for your smartphone. Also, assuming that your phone supports NFC?, you can use your phone as a wallet in many places. You would have to enter your card(s) into the phone’s wallet app, but once done, then everything can work just by placing your phone over the NFC reader.
If you are like me, then you value listening to music while out. Your phone can be your internet radio (data cost), or media player (need your own music). The phone can also function as a camera if you should wish to take pictures. As you can see, a smartphone can do so much for you when compared to a house phone, or a basic phone. Just buy the best you can afford, and make it last as long as possible.