Today's Reading
"The phone should serve the person — not the other way around."
The
Smartphone Journalism for Adults 60+
Section
Picking a smartphone is the single biggest decision a new senior user will make, and most reviews online are written for 25-year-old enthusiasts. This category cuts through the spec-sheet noise. We test every phone the way an older first-time user would: out of the box, with no help, in normal household lighting, with the volume cranked.
In-Depth · Choosing a Phone
After 18 years teaching older adults to use smartphones, here is the short list I actually give to my own family — and the trade-offs nobody else mentions.
By Suzy Ahn · 14 min read
Quick Guide · Choosing a Phone
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like navigating a maze, especially with so many excellent options available today. For many of my senior students, the question often boils down to two popular choices from Apple: the iPhone SE and the flagship iPhone 15. But which one truly delivers the best experience for older adults?
By Suzy Ahn · 8 min read
Quick Guide · Choosing a Phone
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like a daunting task, especially with so many models out there. If you're considering a Samsung Galaxy A-series phone, you've come to the right place. I'm here to help you understand which model might be the perfect fit for you.
By Suzy Ahn · 12 min read
Quick Guide · Choosing a Phone
For many of my readers, the familiar flip phone form factor holds a special place, making the transition to a smartphone feel daunting. But what if you could have the best of both worlds? Today, we're exploring the latest flip smartphones that blend nostalgic design with modern smart capabilities, perfect for seniors.
By Suzy Ahn · 12 min read
Quick Guide · Choosing a Phone
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like navigating a maze, and one of the most common questions I hear from my senior students is about screen size. It’s not just about what looks good; it’s about what feels right and works best for your eyes and hands.
By Suzy Ahn · 10 min read
Quick Guide · Choosing a Phone
For the past sixty days, I've traded in my usual smartphone for the Jitterbug Smart4, and I'm finally ready to share my thoughts. Is this device truly the perfect fit for older adults seeking simplicity? Let's dive in.
By Suzy Ahn · 10 min read
Quick Guide · Choosing a Phone
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like a big decision. As a technology educator with over 18 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming the options can be. Let's explore whether a Google Pixel or an Apple iPhone might be the right fit for you.
By Suzy Ahn · 9 min read
Quick Guide · Choosing a Phone
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like a big decision, especially with so many options. For many of my Astoria Net Shop readers, the question often boils down to this: should I buy a brand-new phone or consider a refurbished one? It's a fantastic question, and one with a few more nuances than you might expect.
By Suzy Ahn · 9 min read
Quick Guide · Choosing a Phone
Choosing a new phone plan can feel a bit like decoding a secret language, can't it? But don't you worry, I'm here to walk you through the ins and outs of prepaid and contract plans, helping you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. It's simpler than you think!
By Suzy Ahn · 12 min read
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.
Accessibility & Vision
Larger text, louder ringtones, hearing-aid pairing, screen-reader and tremor-friendly settings on both iPhone and Android.
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.