Is Grandpa Grappling With His iPhone? Smartphone Help For Seniors

Summary: This 2-3 minute blog explores ways to simplify the use of smartphones for seniors. For additional help, contact GEEKAID Computer and Network Support, the IT experts, at https://www.geek-aid.com/ to discuss how to streamline and enhance the use of all your connected devices.

Helping Seniors With Technology

Everyone knows someone who is getting older and having difficulty using many current technological advances. Many have become fearful of new devices. Smartphones are often the source of senior IT frustration. However, there are ways that their smartphones can be simplified by making a few easy adjustments:

iPhone Setup For Seniors

• Update the iOS System – Ensuring your iOS system software is up to date is an easy way to get all of Apple development’s bug fixes and security patches. Updating the iPhone and setting it to auto-update in the future is a good start toward keeping the phone working well for seniors. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update - Download and install the system update.
• Disable the Passcode – Although disabling the passcode exposes a security risk, many seniors have trouble entering their codes. Facial recognition access is an alternative, depending on what phone you have.
• Select Your Apps Carefully – There are many apps to choose from, with new ones constantly being developed. Don’t overload the phone. It is better to add apps as needed, as the more icons appear on the home screen, the more confusing it could be for seniors. Functional yet simple is the goal.
• Consider Alternative Messaging Apps – Many seniors have difficulty with texting. Vision issues and a small window in which to type make it harder. However, the What’s App app is a popular alternative to regular texting, making grouping long distant family connections easier.
• Enlarge Text – All smartphones, iPhones or Androids can enlarge the text and modify its appearance to make it more legible for people with poor eyesight. For example, on an iPhone, in Settings, go to Accessibility to enlarge text, change the color, contrast and other tweaks to make reading easier.
• Arrange Contacts – Finding phone numbers in cell phone contact lists can be daunting for some older users. You will instantly simplify this task by prioritizing a small group of the most frequently called contacts, such as family, close friends, doctors, etc.
  • Enable “Show Contact Photos” in iMessage – Enabling this option will put link faces to contacts, further helping seniors identify contacts accurately.
• Streamline the Home Screen – After identifying and prioritizing the essential apps (keeping the list short), they should be strategically arranged on the home screen to make finding them more manageable. For example, on an iPhone, by pressing and holding any app, all the apps will begin to vibrate and deletion “-” marks will appear in the upper left-hand corner of each app icon. Next, select the app you wish to move and while continuing to press that app, drag it and position the app on the home screen. Less important apps may be dragged to the next screen or placed in a general folder.

Samsung Easy Mode

Many android phones have built-in capabilities which may be enabled to automatically modify the display on phones to make everything more legible. For example, Samsung phones have an option in Settings called “Easy Mode.” Easy Mode instantly simplifies the Home Screen by enlarging all icons and other on-screen items, adding longer touch-and-hold delays (preventing accidental actions) and increasing the overall screen contrast.

Home Technology Consultants

Unfortunately, many senior or physically challenged users do not avail themselves of all the accessibility features available on their smartphones. Whether you work from a company office, remotely from home or are retired and entering a new phase of life, you might not be aware of many accessibility features on most of your devices without the assistance of a professional IT Consulting Service. IT professionals can assess your specific needs and all aspects of your smart devices, computer systems and networks, recommend solutions and keep your system running smoothly from the start. A modest investment in professional IT assistance is a smart way to protect and get the most out of computers, networks, mobile devices and all your data while freeing up your time to concentrate on more substantial business or personal tasks.

GEEK-AID^® Computer and Network Support provides world-class IT consulting services and specializes in customized network design and support, computer repairs, installations, updates, and maintenance for homes and small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID^®'s team of experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients on-site and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices, including new ones that are part of the ever-expanding IoT. They can answer all your IT questions, from “How can I use voice commands on my smartphone?” to “When do I need to upgrade my computer hardware?” More importantly, when your home or business computer and other devices go down, they will perform on-site computer repairs if required. And the GEEK-AID^® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. In addition to maintaining the hardware, software and security, employee training and regular IT support should be ongoing, including learning how to access the most helpful features your connected devices can offer.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to discuss how they can simplify and secure all your devices and computer systems to make them easy to operate.