Imagine seniors confidently embracing technology, empowered by practical tips that meet them where they are. How can we best support them? By sharing accessible, well-paced guidance, we help older adults build digital skills, avoid unnecessary risks and gain independence in today’s tech-driven world. Thoughtfully offered advice can serve as a protective shield to reduce the likelihood of falling prey to phishing scams, online threats and other nefarious actions while promoting safe, informed internet use.
Over the past two months, NYC Daily Post has published articles focused on safeguarding seniors’ digital journeys, particularly by educating them about phishing schemes. This article marks the final installment in a three-part series tailored to senior citizens. Our goal is to help make smartphones feel less intimidating by breaking down everyday functions into clear, manageable steps. With each tip, seniors can boost their confidence, enhance their smartphone skills and enjoy greater ease with electronic devices.
The tech workshops designed for baby boomers are intentionally concise to respect participants’ time and to minimize feeling overwhelmed. As a technology instructor, I understand how easy it is to spend hours exploring digital tools and trends. To keep sessions focused and relevant, we carefully curate content based on anticipated needs, participant feedback and ongoing observations. This article will provide a broader overview of learning opportunities tailored to senior citizens.
iMessage, SMS and MMS
An iMessage is Apple’s messaging system that is used with other Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad and Mac. iMessages use Wi-Fi or cellular data. The use of Wi-Fi can be useful to provide free messaging when travelling abroad. If you are using cellular data, it may not be free.
While Apple’s iMessage service is exclusive to its devices, the most common alternative is the Android operating system, used by phones from manufacturers like Samsung. Messages sent from Android phones are not iMessages, but they are typically SMS (Short Message Service) messages. SMS is a standard text messaging system that works with practically all mobile phones, not just Android, making it a universal method of communication for non-Apple users. These messages follow a standard used by all cellular providers. Most brief announcements and other brief information are sent by conventional text message. The number of texts you send is frequently limited by your cell phone plan, although many cell phone plans now offer unlimited texts.
Text messages can be sent from Android and Apple smartphones. iMessages (Apple only) are in a blue bubble while Android’s SMS messages are in a green bubble. To turn iMessage on or off on an Apple device such as an Apple Smartphone, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > iMessage. If iMessage is off, messages will be sent as a standard SMS and will appear in a green bubble. Because iMessage is turned off, it is not “recognized” and mimics an SMS in a green bubble. However, when sending a text message from an Apple phone, they will be in a blue bubble and sending a text from an Android phone will be in a green bubble.
MMS is a multimedia messaging service and can be simply defined as longer and more in-depth text messaging. For example, sending a file, picture or audio data are best suited for MMS rather than SMS which is text only. Textline has an informative article about SMS and MMS and lists pros/cons for both in easy-to-read tables.
160 characters, 1600 characters or unlimited
Text messages on Android devices (SMS messages) are limited to 160 characters, including spaces. A longer SMS may be split into separate text messages and may not appear in the correct order. MMS messages are limited to 1,600 characters, including spaces which is more appropriate for sending files and other large data. Messages sent from Apple products are unlimited and are not split into multiple and separate texts. This means a text sent from an iPhone (in a blue bubble) can be one long text.
Additional Apple smartphone tips
Text on an iPhone can be enlarged for readability. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Display Zoom and select “Larger Text.”
Siri is the “assistant” that pairs well with the iPhone when you want to know practically anything: the temperature outside, the general weather forecast, or calling someone who is already in your phone’s contact list. Go to Settings > Siri & Search. Then, you can ask, “What is the temperature…what is the weather forecast for tomorrow…Call my mother, Ellen.”
You can increase the text size in your phone for ease of readability, too. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Larger Text.
You can also magnify the entire phone screen for better visibility. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Zoom. Enable Zoom by touching the gray button and it will turn green which means it is on/active. Scrolling down to Maximum Zoom Level means you can adjust how much your phone’s screen should be zoomed in.
For added safety, set up an SOS to make an emergency call. Go to Settings > Emergency SOS. Select the features as needed by enabling the options. When enabled, they will change from gray to green. One option to choose from is enabling the button to call if in a car crash.
Additional Android tips
Turning on Easy Mode leads to larger icons. Go to Settings > Display > Easy Mode. There is also a “Senior Launcher” in the Play Store.
You can use Google Assistant to ask questions is already on Android phones. Use the “Hey Google“ voice command or swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Go to the Google app > Assistant Settings. Follow the prompts to access this feature.
You can also Increase the font size for improved readability. Go to Settings > Display > Font Size/Display Size.
If you want to zoom in to enable magnification options, go to Settings > Accessibility > Magnification. Selecting a triple tap leads to magnification.
For added safety, emergency data can be added by going to Settings > About Phone > Emergency Information.
The steps to access certain settings may vary slightly among different Apple and Android devices. For example, the path to enlarge text on an iPhone 16 Pro Max might differ from that of an iPhone 15. Most options are typically located within a similar area of the Settings menu. Taking a few moments to explore the Settings can help users become more familiar with their device’s layout and features, making it easier to navigate and apply the tips shared in this article.
SeniorLiving.org offers a recent article about the best smartphones for seniors, including value and features.
Though smartphones have many capabilities, these devices do not need to be overwhelming. Brief adjustments and following tips can help seniors turn their devices into powerful tools for everyday convenience, safety and connections. By meeting seniors where they are and breaking down regular functions into clear, manageable steps, smartphones will feel less intimidating.
Each tip builds confidence, strengthens digital skills and empowers seniors to navigate their devices with greater ease and independence. Technology should support, rather than frustrate, baby boomers. Embracing the right guidance, these tips will lead to greater learning and peace of mind.
Featured image: Photo by Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash
Edited by James Sutton & Steven London
