Is Grandma Grappling With Her iPhone? Smartphone Help for Seniors

Summary: There are several ways to simplify the use of smartphones for seniors. Smartphone help for seniors can improve usability and independence. This article explains how to eliminate unnecessary options and simplify the steps required to use a smartphone.

Helping Seniors With Technology

Everyone knows someone who is getting older and having difficulty using many smartphone tech options or adapting to changes on their phones. Many have become fearful of new devices or updates. 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

Smartphone help for seniors is just a few clicks away. Special phone setup for seniors reduces many of the steps required for usage and can eliminate having too many confusing choices. Here are some specific changes to make that will simplify the use of an iPhone and assist helping seniors with technology:

• 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 (or any user). 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. Do not 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. Remove any unused apps.
• 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 WhatsApp app is a popular alternative to regular texting, making group communications and long distance 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.

Using Samsung Easy Mode for Phones

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 “Samsung Easy Mode.” Samsung 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. Samsung Easy Mode is also simple to turn off, if desired.

Home Technology Consultants and Accessibility

Unfortunately, many senior or physically challenged users do not avail themselves of all the accessibility features available on their smartphones. These available features may not be needed until physical changes occur to hearing, motor skills or eyesight. Whether you work at an 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 home technology professional. These IT professionals can assess your specific needs and all aspects of your smart devices, computer systems and network, recommend solutions for simplified use or accessibility. A modest investment in professional IT assistance is a smart way to get the most out of computers, tablets and mobile devices.

Smartphone and Computer Security for Seniors

In addition to simplifying device screens and options, your technician can check each device for the presence of malware (computer viruses, spyware, adware and more) and remove it. They will also make sure that security settings on each device are correct, install high-quality security software and set up secure data backup, if needed. Personalized live virtual security awareness training is available to help seniors understand and avoid the latest phishing tactics and scams that can drain their bank accounts. They will be made aware of the common “red flags” that indicate something is not right. This training can be tailored to their specific uses, and family members can sit next to them during training so everyone is on the same page. Smartphone help for seniors is in everyone’s best interest, since it is much easier to prevent a cyberattack than to recover from one.

Helping seniors with technology so they can safely and easily use their tech devices is a loving act. It can help them feel confident and maintain independence longer. In addition to the steps described above, contact your technician to discuss other ways to simplify and secure all their devices and computers. In-home or in-office mobile service calls are a convenient way to improve the usability and security of their tech devices. The technician can also tell you about new visual “drop in” interactive technology that can help you further protect loved ones.