My Grandad is in his 70s and up until now, has been pretty anti technology. This will be his first smartphone, and has never really used a “dumb” mobile either.
My Grandma is in and out of hospital at the moment and they’re constantly being reminded the world has become digital. He’s finally bit the bullet and asked for a smartphone. By the sounds of it, he’s actually quite excited, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he won’t just shove it in the drawer when frustrated.
I’ve chosen an iPhone XS for him, as I thought it’s something that will last a few years but not too fancy. It’s got a new battery/screen, I will set up his email, Apple ID and will program in family members numbers. Also, warn him about scams, to not trust anyone who randomly contacts him and to contact me with any concerns.
That being said, I’m hoping to get some advice on:
TLDR:
What might be useful on iOS for an elderly person with no real technology experience?
Any similar experiences you’ve had that have transferable advice?
Thanks!
Teach how to use iMessage or whatever your family preferred messaging app…including how to add photos. Teach how to close tabs in Safari (my parents had more than 244 tabs open on their iPad that was slowing down and crashing). If other family is using Facebook or instagram or anything like that set up an account and show how to use the apps.
Make sure when you explain it and show them you give them the phone and make sure they can do what you just showed. (My mom likes to write stuff down while I show her and then I say “no you do it”. Show how to use maps for directions. Add them to Find My Friends to help “keep in touch”.
My mom has an android smartphone and that seems more complicated than iPhone with several messaging apps and browsers.