FAQ
❓
Frequently Asked Questions
Real questions from real seniors — answered in plain, simple English. No tech jargon, no confusing terms.
Before you begin
There Are No Silly Questions Here
Every question on this page was asked by a real senior who felt nervous, confused, or frustrated with technology. If you have ever wondered about something but felt embarrassed to ask, you will find your answer here.
Do you not see your question? Leave a comment at the bottom of any article on this blog, and Dennis will answer it personally.
Category 1
📱 Getting Started with Technology
I am not a tech person. Can I really learn this?
Absolutely yes. There is no such thing as a "tech person" — there are only people who have had the chance to learn and people who have not yet. Technology today is far simpler than it was 10 years ago, and this blog breaks everything down into the smallest possible steps. Thousands of seniors with no prior experience have learned to use smartphones, video call their families, and set up smart home devices. You can too.
What is the best phone for a senior who has never had a smartphone?
The two best options are the iPhone SE and the Samsung Galaxy A series. Both have large text options, simple layouts, and are very reliable. If you already have family members who use iPhones, get an iPhone — it makes calling and sharing photos much easier. If your family uses Android phones, go with Samsung. The most important thing is to match what your family uses, so they can help you.
► Read our Smartphone GuideWhat is Wi-Fi, and do I need it?
Wi-Fi is a wireless internet connection in your home. Think of it like invisible pipes that carry the internet from your router — a small box usually provided by your internet company — to all your devices. You do need it to use most smart home devices, stream videos, or video call your family. If you do not have it, call your local internet or cable company and ask for their most basic home internet plan.
What is an app?
An app — short for application — is a small program on your phone or tablet that does one specific thing. For example, the Weather app shows the forecast. The Maps app gives you directions. The FaceTime app lets you video call family. Most apps are free. You find them in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) — both are already on your phone.
Category 2
🛡️ Online Safety & Scams
How do I know if a phone call is a scam?
The easiest rule to remember is this: if they want money urgently, it is a scam. Legitimate organizations — the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, your bank — never call you out of the blue and demand immediate payment. Other red flags include being asked to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, being told not to tell your family, and being pressured to act right now. When in doubt, hang up and call your family member or the organization directly using a number you look up yourself.
► Read our full Safety GuideIs it safe to shop online?
Yes — if you shop on trusted websites. Amazon, Walmart.com, and the official websites of stores you already know are safe. The key things to check are that the web address starts with https (the "s" stands for secure) and that you recognize the store name. Never shop on a website that came to you in an email you did not ask for. When in doubt, stick to Amazon.
Someone called and said my computer has a virus. What should I do?
Hang up immediately. This is one of the most common scams targeting seniors. No legitimate company — not Microsoft, not Apple, not your internet provider — will ever call you to tell you about a virus. They do not monitor your computer. If you gave them access to your computer or paid them money, call your bank right away and let a family member know what happened.
Category 3
❤️ Health Technology
Are smartwatches accurate enough to rely on for health tracking?
Smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch are very accurate for heart rate monitoring and step counting. They are not medical devices and should not replace your doctor, but they are excellent for spotting trends — like noticing your resting heart rate has been higher than usual — that you can then discuss with your doctor. The fall detection feature, in particular, has saved many lives and is extremely reliable.
► Read our Health & Wellness GuideWhat is the best medical alert device for a senior who lives alone?
For seniors who live alone, the Apple Watch SE with fall detection is our top recommendation because it works automatically — you do not have to press a button. If it detects a fall and you do not respond within 30 seconds, it calls 911 on its own. If you prefer a dedicated medical alert device without the smartwatch features, look into the Bay Alarm Medical or Medical Guardian systems — both have simple one-button pendants that can be worn around the neck.
Is there a simple way to remember to take my medications every day?
Yes — several great options exist. The simplest is to ask your Amazon Echo or Google Nest to set a daily reminder: "Alexa, remind me every day at 8am to take my medication." For a more complete solution, the Hero automatic pill dispenser beeps at the right time and drops your pills into a cup for you. The free Medisafe app on your phone is also excellent and will even warn you about dangerous medication combinations.
► Read our Medication Reminder articlesCategory 4
💬 Staying Connected with Family
What is the easiest way to video call my grandchildren?
If you have an iPhone, FaceTime is the easiest — just tap the name of the person you want to call and tap the video camera button. If you have an Android phone, Google Meet or WhatsApp both work very well. For the absolute simplest experience, ask your family to get you an Amazon Echo Show — you just say "Alexa, call [name]" and the call starts automatically on the big screen. No phone needed.
► Read our Stay Connected GuideHow do I send a photo to my family from my phone?
Open your Photos app and find the picture you want to send. Tap it to open it, then look for a small square with an arrow pointing up — that is the Share button. Tap it, then tap Messages or Email, and type the name of the person you want to send it to. Tap Send. That is it! If you want to send a photo you are taking right now, open the Camera app, take the picture, tap the small thumbnail in the corner to open it, and follow the same steps.
Category 5
🏠 Smart Home Questions
Is Alexa always listening to my conversations?
The Echo device listens only for its wake word — "Alexa." Before it hears that word, it is not recording or sending anything to Amazon. Once it hears "Alexa," it starts listening for your question and sends that audio to Amazon to process your request. You can also press the mute button on top of the device at any time to turn off the microphone completely. Many seniors leave it muted when they are not using it and only unmute it when they need help.
What is the first smart home device I should buy?
Start with the Amazon Echo Dot — it costs around $50, plugs into the wall, and is immediately useful. On day one, you can use it to set medication reminders, check the weather, play your favorite music, and call your family hands-free. Once you are comfortable with Alexa, everything else in your smart home will feel much easier to add.
► Read our full Smart Home GuideMy internet keeps going out. What can I do?
The fastest fix is to unplug your router — the small box from your internet company — wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This solves the problem about 80 percent of the time. If your internet cuts out regularly, call your internet provider and ask them to check your connection. Also, make sure your router is not tucked away in a closet — it works best out in the open, away from walls and other electronics.
Still have a question?
💬 Dennis Is Here to Help
Did you not find your answer here? There are two easy ways to get help:
1. Leave a comment on any article on this blog. Dennis reads every comment and will reply with a plain English answer just for you.
2. Watch a video on the Senior Tech Simplified YouTube channel — many questions are answered with a short, easy-to-follow video.
► Visit the YouTube ChannelReady to Keep Learning?
Head back to the Start Here page to explore every topic we cover — all written in plain, simple English just for you.
Have a question that is not on this page? Leave a comment on any article — Dennis reads every one.
Safety Guide | Health Guide | Stay Connected | Smart Home | Back to the Blog
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