A reader who helps the elderly with digital technology asks for tips on mobile phones. We answer.
Question: I work as a digital fixer in a municipality where I help people over 65 with technology to counter digital exclusion and social loneliness.
Technology is being moved more and more into our homes, where I am there as support in helping them understand and keep up with developments.
Considering that 2G and 3G will shut down, there are many older people who have to buy a new phone.
But also that society forces them into this environment, I have come across a problem for those who do not have e-identification. For many, getting a BankID is a fear as it is linked to the bank, money and fraud. There is an alternative which is Freja id.
My question is, could you please test which mobiles are most suitable for the elderly (easy to learn, e-ID, compatible with hearing aids)
I can imagine that the majority who read your articles have grandparents who are older, so that they help them choose “better mobile phones”
Many people seem to buy “doro 5861” (or similar with buttons) which is quite old school and is actually not that easy for the elderly to understand, which means that they just ring it. Texting and reading SMS is not the easiest thing in it, many companies and healthcare only text, which means they miss things.
There are many of us all over Sweden who work with this, many libraries have IT educators & many municipalities have/are in the process of hiring a digital fixer/digital guide (however, the roles are called a little differently)
Looking forward to your response.
Erik Mörner answers: Yes, I agree with you. Now the 2G network has had its lifespan extended to 2027, but it obviously requires learning for everyone who is going to use modern security solutions such as BankID and the devices required for it. Today, BankID is almost a must and Freja is in practice not an option when so many people have chosen BankID for logging into their service.
We have repeatedly come to the conclusion that Doro’s phones are rarely the easiest way, but on the contrary can often add further confusion.
An Android, one of the cheaper ones, or the cheapest iPhone, a few years old is probably the best choice for a senior who needs to buy a new phone. And then with various adaptations they can hopefully get help with from a Mobile reader or other knowledgeable person in the family or at the municipality.
This question comes from an article with reader questions that was previously published exclusively for Plus members on Mobil.se. Here you can become a Plus member and thus get direct access to all articles on Mobil.se and also take advantage of favorable offers and discounts. As a plus member, you get collected tips and many other in-depth, guiding articles. You can find the entire article here.
Source: www.mobil.se
