7 Easy Smartphone Tips To Make Life More Exciting For Senior Loved Ones

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It can be challenging to track what's happening worldwide, especially if you're a senior citizen.

Thankfully, smartphones can be a great way to stay connected with loved ones, but for seniors, they can be difficult to use.

Therefore, we've compiled a list of 7 easy smartphone tips to make life more exciting for your senior loved ones.

From choosing the right features to the coolest apps, we have everything you need to help your loved ones stay connected and engaged.

 

Choose A Large Font For Easy Reading

If your elderly loved ones are using their phone to read, you should install a large font to make it easier for them to see.

Trust us, this advice is crucial even though it may seem obvious.

You don't want your loved ones to strain their eyes when trying to read with their phone.

But that's not all.

A large font gives them many benefits, such as:

1. Helping those who suffer from migraines or other headaches, as a larger font reduces eye strain.

2. Making it better to find their place when reading, as their eyes will not have to scan the page as much.

3. Allowing them to read in low light during bedtime.

4. Allowing seniors with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia to process information easily.

So, what's the recommended setting?

According to Frontiers in Psychology, the best font size for reading accuracy is between 8 and 12 points with a sans-serif typeface.

To change the font size on an iPhone, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size and adjust it to your liking.

On Android devices, go to Settings > Display > Font Size and make your selection.

In a nutshell,  those are the basics of installing a large font. 

With this valuable tip, your senior loved ones will have an easier time reading text on their phone.

Plus, they could enjoy other benefits that come with it.

 

Tip #2: Select A Phone With A Large Screen and Big Buttons

Seniors may find it difficult to use smartphones with small screens or buttons.

As a result, your loved ones may often feel left out of the digital age and feel like they're being left behind.

One good tip is to get them a phone with a large screen and big buttons that are easy to see and press.

Why are these features important?

For starters, big buttons can help seniors with dexterity issues.

So, if your loved one has arthritis or Parkinson's disease, they may have difficulty pressing small buttons.

But bigger buttons will make it easier for them to stay connected without struggling.

Seniors with arthritis will also find it difficult to type on a small screen.

A phone with large buttons lets them easily see what they're doing and make fewer mistakes.

Large buttons can help them call a friend or send a quick text.

Additionally, this feature can be useful in emergencies.

As a final point, a large screen makes it easier for seniors to see the phone's interface.

As a result, they will notice important details and stay aware of a conversation.

Why is this important?

Visual impairments are common among seniors.

An Oklahoma State University study found that vision deteriorates with age and visual scanning becomes more difficult.

It means that seniors may need help finding the icons they need on a small screen.

With worsening vision, seniors will also have trouble seeing moving characters on a screen, such as when playing games or watching videos.

During this time, the pupil also constricts, so a 65-year-old needs twice as much light as a 20-year-old to see clearly at night.

A phone with a large screen can help them stay engaged and have fun without feeling frustrated.

To wrap up, big buttons and a large screen are important features for a smartphone if you're buying one for a senior loved one.

These features will make staying connected and engaged easier, even if they have dexterity or vision issues.

 

Tip #3: Install A Senior Safety App

 

Are you worried about your elderly loved ones and how they're doing?
Smartphones can be a great way to keep tabs on your loved ones - especially as they get older and may need more help staying on track.

Many apps can assist with different tasks – from medication adherence to tracking location and daily routine.

With a senior safety app, you'll be able to rest easy knowing that you're keeping an eye on your loved ones in the best way possible.

And if there's ever an emergency, you'll have all the information you need at your fingertips.

Here are the 5 tips for choosing the best senior safety app for your senior loved ones:

1. Make sure the app is compatible with their phone.

2. Look for an app that offers real-time tracking.

3. Choose an app with a simple interface that your loved ones can easily understand and use.

4. Consider an app that alerts you if there's any deviation from the usual routine.

5. Pick an app that offers a free trial so you can test it out before committing to a long-term subscription.

By following these tips, you'll be sure to find the best senior safety app for your needs - and give yourself some peace of mind.

Can’t decide which app to use?

No worries!

AARP.org compiled a list of 8 smartphone apps worth looking into:

1. Safe - A voice-activated SOS system that works on Android and iPhone.
   
   
2. Cairn - It lets your senior loved ones share their planned route when hiking or camping, especially when they are off the grid.
   
   
3. Dark Sky Weather - Get weather information for your loved ones' specific location hour by hour.
   
   
4. First Aid by American Red Cross - This app is a lifesaver. It gives complete and vital information on what to do in common first aid emergencies.
   
   
5. Medisafe Medication Reminder - It alerts the user when it’s time to take medications or supplements. Plus, caregivers get real-time alerts for missed doses.
   
   The app also warns of potentially dangerous drug interactions.
   
   
6. ICE Medical Standard - It tells first responders about your senior loved ones' conditions, allergies, medications, and emergency medical contact information.
   
   
7. Noonlight - With this app, your loved ones never have to worry about being in a tough situation again.
   
   With the touch of a button, they can discretely call for help that will come directly to them.
   
   But what if Noonlight's operator cannot get in touch with your loved one or verify an emergency exists?
   
   If that happens, Noonlight will notify 911 and give them the location and profile information.
   
   
8. Snug Safety - This app checks on your loved ones at their preferred time of day.
   
   They press a green check mark on the app and receive a quote of the day.
   If they fail to check in, their emergency contacts get notifications.

These safety apps can help you keep tabs on your senior loved ones while giving you peace of mind and a sense of security.

 

Tip #4: Use A Bright Wallpaper Or Theme

Imagine being unable to see your smartphone’s screen.

Everything from reading texts to checking Facebook would be a challenge.

And if that's not enough, trying to figure out how to change the settings on your phone so that the screen is easier to see can be frustrating.

You can help make your senior loved one's smartphone experience much easier by setting a bright wallpaper or theme.

To make the phone as user-friendly as possible, choose "senior-mode" themes with big icons and a minimalist interface.

These themes are usually easy to find in your phone's app store. Just search for "senior" or "elderly," and you'll see plenty of options.

That way, your loved one can easily see what's on their screen, and they won't have to struggle with a confusing interface.

 

Tip #5: Install Easy-To-Use Video Communication Apps

It can be hard to stay connected with our senior loved ones who might not be as tech-savvy as you are.

Even if your loved one is comfortable using a smartphone, they might not have the same level of access to technology that you do.

Skype, Messenger, and similar apps are easy ways for seniors to stay connected with friends and family.

You can even arrange a virtual family reunion if you want to take it a step further.

Not only will this help your senior loved one feel more connected to their loved ones, but it'll also give them something to look forward to each week.

Of course, making a video call is just one option.

Many smartphone apps let your senior loved ones play remotely with their children and grandchildren.

So even if you can't be there in person, you can still help them make lasting memories.

If you're unsure which apps to use, ask your senior loved one's doctor or a trusted family member for recommendations.

 

Tip #6: Set up the Smartphone For One-Handed Use

Due to disability, an injury, or a health condition, many seniors may find it hard to use their phones with two hands.

For this issue, you can turn on One-Handed Mode for Android and Reachability Mode for iPhone on your loved ones' phones.

Various manufacturers have different ways of achieving this, but the outcome is always the same: The screen contracts to either the right or left side (depending on which hand you're using) so that your thumb can touch every corner.

With these new modes, seniors can access the phone's menus and feature faster by swiping their thumb.

To set up One-Handed Mode on Android: Go to Settings > Display > One-Handed Mode.

To set up Reachability Mode on your iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Accessibility. Scroll down to the "Interaction" section and select "Reachability."

 

Tip #7: Protect Them From EMF Radiation

As we age, our bodies become more sensitive to EMF radiation.

Devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other devices that use 5G and WiFi technologies emit are the main sources of this radiation.

So why do you need to limit your senior loved ones' exposure to EMF?

You see, this radiation attacks the body on many fronts.

For example, it can create an electromechanical imbalance that prevents the cells from working correctly.

This imbalance could result in chronic pain because electrical impulses from your brain to your muscles are disrupted.

And for seniors who are already dealing with lots of aches and pains, this is the last thing they need.

The EMF radiation may disrupt the electrical impulses that help elderly people regulate their sleep cycles, making it harder for them to fall asleep.

EMF also harms seniors by causing an increase in free radicals in their bodies.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage DNA, cells, and tissues.

They're the main cause of inflammation, linked to various age-related health issues such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cancer.

Even worse, free radicals could weaken the brain's protective barrier.

This barrier shields the brain from harmful toxins and pathogens while allowing essential nutrients and oxygen to get in.

As a result, seniors are more susceptible to developing dementia and other neurological conditions.

So, how can you protect your senior loved ones from EMF radiation without limiting their cell phone and Internet usage?

Here are a few tips:

1. Turn off the WiFi router at night and when they're not using it.

2. Keep their devices away from their bodies, especially when sleeping.

3. Encourage them to eat antioxidant-rich foods to help protect their cells from free radical damage.

4. Educate yourself about EMF and its dangers to protect your senior loved ones better.

5. Lastly, get an anti-EMF shield with an 80% Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).

This rating allows seniors to use their devices, stay online for hours, and get in touch with their loved ones without worrying too much about EMF radiation.

Out of all the available anti-EMF shields on the market, nothing comes close to the protective properties of the Bodywell Chip.

The Bodywell Chip is a compact, non-toxic technology that you can easily install on any device to help reduce its EMF emissions.

This includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, and even WiFi routers.

So if you're looking for an easy and effective way to reduce your loved one's exposure to EMF radiation, check out the Bodywell Chip today.

 

In Conclusion:

While smartphones bring comfort and convenience to the elderly, some risks come with them.

By following the tips above, you can help your senior loved ones enjoy all the benefits of owning a smartphone while minimizing the risks.

Do you have other tips on making life more exciting for seniors?

Please share them in the comments below!

And if you’re looking for even more ways to make phone use easier for seniors, check out the Bodywell Chip.

This small device attaches to any phone and helps reduce harmful EMF radiation emissions.

Click HERE to learn more about the Bodywell Chip and how it can help protect your loved ones.

Thanks for reading!