Page 14 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 4, 2026 Sa Sa a Say y Senior enior Sen by Jim Miller Smartphones Made Simple for Seniors Dear Savvy Senior, My 79-year-old mom just upgraded from a flip phone to a smartphone, but she’s having trouble fi guring it out. Is there a way to make it easier for her to use? --Only Daughter Dear Only, Switching from a fl ip phone to a smartphone can be a big adjustment. What seems second nature to younger users can feel overwhelming to someone who’s never used a touchscreen. Even though the screen is bigger, the text can still be tiny, the buttons hard to tap, and one accidental touch can open an app or change a setting. Even simple tasks like texting or taking a picture can suddenly feel frustrating. The good news is that smartphones can be surprisingly senior-friendly. Both iPhones and Android phones have built-in accessibility features that make them easier to see, hear, and navigate. The exact steps vary depending on the phone, but here are some of the most helpful settings to look for. Apple iPhone If your mom has an Apple iPhone, start by opening the Settings app, then tap Display and Brightness. From there, she can make the text larger, turn on bold text, and use Display Zoom to make icons, buttons, and menus bigger. Even these small changes can make the phone much easier to use. Accessibility offers several helpful tools. VoiceOver reads whatever is on the screen aloud, Zoom enlarges small text or photos, and Voice Control lets her open apps or dictate messages simply by speaking. For a simpler home screen, try Assistive Access. It creates a clean layout with large buttons and fewer apps, and you can lock it with a passcode so it won’t accidentally switch back. For someone moving from a fl ip phone, this can make using the phone much less intimidating. Google Pixel If your mom uses a Google Pixel, open Settings, then Display, and select Display size and text. She can make words, buttons, and icons larger and increase color contrast to make everything easier to see. Swipe gestures can be confusing for first-time smartphone users. Switching to the traditional three-button layout brings back simple on-screen buttons for Home, Back, and Recent Apps, making navigation much easier. In Accessibility, TalkBack can read text aloud, Magnifi cation zooms in on parts of the screen, Live Caption adds subtitles automatically, Sound Amplifier makes soft sounds louder, and Voice Access lets her control the phone by speaking. Samsung Galaxy If she has a Samsung Galaxy phone, start by turning on Easy Mode. Open Settings, tap Display, and turn it on. This enlarges text and icons, simplifi es the home screen, and adds a slight delay to reduce accidental taps. She can also adjust font size, screen zoom, and switch navigation from gestures to buttons. Accessibility settings improve contrast, off er captions or hearing aid connections, and let her operate the phone with voice commands. Extra tips Clean up your mom’s home screen by removing apps she doesn’t use and placing her most used apps – such as Phone, Messages, and Photos – on the fi rst screen. Choose a simple wallpaper, turn up the ringtone and alert volume, add favorite contacts for one-touch calling, and increase the screen timeout so the display stays on longer. Remember, the goal isn’t to master every feature. Start with the basics – answering calls, sending texts, and taking photos – and give her plenty of time to practice. A little patience goes a long way. With a few simple adjustments, her smartphone can become a tool she actually enjoys using. Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. September is Library Card Sign-up Month at the Everett Public Libraries. T his September, the Everett Public Libraries invite you to celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month and discover how a library card can hit all the right notes, no matter what your tastes are. With a library card, you can do more than check out books. From free classes and job resources to homework help, streaming media, and cultural events, today’s libraries connect communities to information, inspiration and each other. An initiative of the American Library Association, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September since 1987 to mark the beginning of the school year, combat illiteracy and encourage communities everywhere to explore all the offerings that having a library card unlocks. Today, thousands of public libraries and schools nationwide participate in the month-long celebration each fall. This year’s theme — “A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes!” — is a reminder that libraries off er something for everyone, no matter your age, background or goals. Whether you’re checking out a classic story or trying something new, fi nding harmony at the library’s programs, fi nding your focus in a study room or vibing out in a cozy nook, or composing your future with new skills, there’s a seat in the front row at the library for you, and your library card is the ticket. At the Everett Public Libraries you’ll fi nd: • Video games, board games and puzzles • Museum passes and discounts • CDs and Vinyls • A Library of Things, including the yarn library, accessibility tools and more! • Programs and events for all ages — from storytimes and book clubs to job search support and tech help! Join us throughout September for special Library Card Sign-up Month activities, including: • FRED Talks — Tuesday, September 15, at 7 p.m. • Author Event: Jenn Bouchard — Wednesday, September 16, at 7 p.m. • Everett: East to West Book Club — Saturday, September 19, at 2 p.m. • Tune In: Music Class at the Library — Weekly on Thursdays at 3 p.m. • Pop-up tables throughout Everett! This September, B sharp and sign up for a library card! Stop by the Parlin Memorial Library or Shute Memorial Library or visit us online at www.everettpubliclibraries.org to sign up for your card today. New hours and fall events at Everett Public Libraries T he Everett Public Libraries are excited to announce the expansion of hours at the Parlin Memorial Library. The main branch will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays starting Saturday, September 12. “We are excited to be able to off er more programs and services over the weekend,” said Aubri, the Information Services Librarian. “Patrons have been asking for this for a long time, and we’re glad it’s fi nally happening.” In addition to the expanded hours, the Everett Public Libraries are looking forward to an autumn full of fun events for all ages! Be on the lookout for these upcoming events: • Library Card Sign Up Month — all September • Author Event: Jenn Bouchard — September 16 • Everett: East to West Book Club — September 19 & November 14 • Author Event: Robert Fitzgibbon — October 14 • Library Masquerade — October 24 Information about library hours and a full list of events are available online at everettpubliclibraries.org. nr ior Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month this September
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