Smartphones are designed with great convenience in mind that owning one has become second nature among tech-savvy users. In recent years, tech companies are continuously bringing innovations and newer features to the smartphone market. This allowed millions of users to perform a wide variety of tasks through their smartphones, from shopping, ordering meals, accessing fitness content, attending meetings, and interacting with people around the globe.
Today, smartphones come in different price points from the most affordable ones to high-end devices. Those who want to save more money and prolong the lifespan of their smartphones depend on cell phone repair.
While the tech market has been producing smartphones for a while, the older folks are still having difficulty catching up. We can’t blame them though, smartphones have become more powerful and advanced these days, making it difficult for seniors to use them because of their lack of knowledge and experience with technology.
The problem with providing smartphones to seniors is their inability to maximize their features and experience their great convenience. From sending messages, capturing images, and sending emails, these basic commands can be quite complicated for seniors. But the good news is, smartphones now come with intuitive features, which users can tweak to support simpler user interactions. With this in mind, we’ll talk about ways to set up a smartphone for your senior loved ones.
Install a simple launcher
The easiest way to make any smartphone less complicated to use is the “easy mode” launcher. It can transform the entire interface by making it look less intimidating by limiting its features and enlarging the font size and app icon for better visibility. Some devices come with this feature during the initial setup, such as Samsung’s “Easy Mode” which simplifies the smartphone experience. Otherwise, you can choose a third-party alternative, such as senior-friendly launchers.
One example is the Simple Launcher, which allows the user to limit the applications to the most important ones and adjust the phone’s graphic features. It also comes with an easy-to-use interface and control center, which you can modify according to the user’s needs. The control center allows you to activate the safety lock, uninstall apps easily, and lock the notification and ring volume.
Another tip is to consider installing AppLock, which restricts access to certain applications. Most seniors have trouble getting lost in a smartphone interface and changing settings accidentally. Installing this app will prevent the senior from accessing dangerous options.
Adjust display settings
Most aging people have problems when it comes to their eyesight. This makes it difficult for them to use a smartphone because of its small font size and icons. In fact, one of the common complaints you often hear from them is the “text is too small” to read. Some of them even have to wear special glasses to see the screen clearly or ask a family member to read the text for them.
Make their smartphone experience easier by increasing the icons, font sizes, and other graphic elements. All smartphones have an adjustable display. When changing the setting, ask your senior relative which font size level they prefer. If they have a vision problem, the safest option is to set the font size to large.
Also, you may consider limiting the number of applications on their home screen. This will simplify the senior’s user experience and limit their access to the apps they use, such as the camera app, web browser, messaging app, and contacts. If they have a social media account, you can leave the icon on the home screen for easy access.
Strengthen the phone’s security
Security is likely the last thing on your mind when setting up a senior’s smartphone, but make sure not to skip this step. Seniors probably have no idea when it comes to cybersecurity, so it’s your job to enlighten them about it.
People who lack knowledge about the complexities of the digital landscape are prone to cyber threats, such as malicious apps, phishing scams, and deceptive websites.
Set up their phone by strengthening its security features to prevent these risks. Consider installing a virtual private network (VPN) and anti-virus or anti-malware application. Don’t forget to set up a strong password and activate the two-factor authentication for their email, social media, or online bank accounts.
Technology has become highly advanced these days, but it shouldn’t keep older adults from enjoying its capabilities. Luckily, smartphones are now highly accessible and have adjustable settings to make them more convenient to use. Once you’ve performed the suggestions above, it’s also important to have more patience when helping your senior loved one familiarize with their new smartphone. Eventually, they should be all set to fully embrace technology.
