Independent Senior Tech Journalism

The

Astoria Net Shop

Smartphone Journalism for Adults 60+

Section

Accessibility & Vision

Built-in accessibility tools have improved dramatically — most seniors never know they exist. We document every relevant iOS and Android setting with side-by-side screenshots, recommended values, and notes from occupational therapists.

All accessibility guides

An older woman smiling while comfortably using her iPhone, with subtle, calming screen animations.

Quick Guide · Accessibility

Reduce Motion on iPhone and Android: Why It Helps Seniors

Do you ever feel a little queasy or overwhelmed by all the animations on your smartphone screen? You're not alone. As a senior technology educator, I've seen firsthand how a simple setting called 'Reduce Motion' can make a world of difference for many older adults.

By Suzy Ahn · 12 min read

Close-up of an older adult's hand holding an Android smartphone next to a pair of modern hearing aids on a wooden table.

Quick Guide · Accessibility

Pairing Hearing Aids with Android: What Works in 2026

Connecting your hearing aids to your Android smartphone can transform your daily experience, making calls clearer and media more accessible. Let's walk through exactly how it's done in 2026.

By Suzy Ahn · 10 min read

Elderly woman smiling while looking at her smartphone, with text on screen appearing clear and high-contrast.

Quick Guide · Accessibility

High Contrast and Color Filters: Tuning the Screen for Aging Eyes

For many of us, the vibrant screens of our smartphones, once a joy to behold, can become a source of frustration as our eyes change with age. But what if I told you there are powerful, built-in tools designed to transform your screen into something much more comfortable to see? Let's explore high contrast and color filters.

By Suzy Ahn · 12 min read

A senior woman smiling and holding a smartphone close to her ear, with accessibility features visibly active on the screen.

Quick Guide · Accessibility

VoiceOver vs TalkBack: An Introduction to Screen Readers

For many of my students, adapting to a smartphone with low vision often feels like learning a new language. But with tools like VoiceOver and TalkBack, that language becomes much clearer and more accessible. Let's explore how these remarkable features can truly transform your smartphone experience.

By Suzy Ahn · 9 min read

Close-up of an older adult's hand gently touching a smartphone screen, with a slight tremor visible.

Quick Guide · Accessibility

Tremor-Friendly Touch Settings on iPhone and Android

For many of my students, using a smartphone can become a real challenge when hand tremors enter the picture. But modern iPhones and Androids have some truly clever settings to make them much more accessible. Let's dig in.

By Suzy Ahn · 10 min read

A close-up of an iPhone screen actively using the Magnifier app to enlarge text on a physical document, held by a senior hand.

Quick Guide · Accessibility

The iPhone Magnifier Tool: A Hidden Gem for Low Vision

As a seasoned technology educator, I've seen countless "aha!" moments when sharing the iPhone's hidden accessibility gems. The Magnifier tool, often overlooked, offers remarkable clarity and independence for those with low vision, transforming everyday tasks from reading a restaurant menu to threading a needle.

By Suzy Ahn · 8 min read

A close-up of a smartphone screen displaying live captions during a phone call, with a person wearing hearing aids in the background.

Quick Guide · Accessibility

Live Captions for Phone Calls: A Game-Changer for Hard of Hearing

Phone calls can be a source of frustration for many, especially those who are hard of hearing. But what if your phone could type out every word being said, live, as you speak? It's not science fiction; it's a reality, and it's changing lives.

By Suzy Ahn · 10 min read

A close-up shot of an elderly woman happily reading text on her Samsung Galaxy phone, which clearly displays large, legible font. Her finger is gently tracing the screen.

Quick Guide · Accessibility

How to Make Text Bigger on Android (Samsung and Pixel)

Ah, the tiny text dilemma! For many of us, squinting at our smartphone screens has become an all-too-common ritual. But it doesn't have to be this way! Your Android phone, whether it's a Samsung or a Google Pixel, is packed with features designed to make reading a joy, not a chore. I'm Suzy Ahn, and for almost two decades, I've had the pleasure of teaching older adults the ins and outs of their technology. Today, we're tackling one of the most frequent requests I get: how to make that text gloriously, wonderfully, undeniably bigger.

By Suzy Ahn · 10 min read

Other sections

Choosing a Smartphone

Honest, hands-on advice on picking the right phone for older adults — iPhone vs. Android, simplified phones, and what to ignore.

Setup & Basics

Step-by-step walkthroughs for the first day with a new phone — Wi-Fi, Apple ID, Google Account, contacts, and home-screen basics.

Safety & Scam Protection

Spot phishing texts, block robocalls, recognize grandparent scams, and lock down a phone after it is lost or stolen.

Apps for Seniors

Hand-picked apps for video calls, medication reminders, large-print news, transportation, and staying in touch with grandchildren.

Troubleshooting

Plain-language fixes for the most common phone problems — 'no sound,' 'frozen screen,' 'storage full,' and battery surprises.