CSA Online Do your homework Need help with lighting or measuring things in your home? Turn your smartphone into a virtual toolbox, using flashlight, measurement and temperature apps. For instance, the iPhone’s Measure app can even tell you someone’s height. Good for the growing grandkids! Smartphones also turn into a kind of remote-control-for-the-home by connecting to “smart” thermostats, lighting and security systems. And, at home or on the road, they make handy magnifiers for when your vision needs a boost – whether with a café menu or a ticket. Travel assistance Seeking good maps and route planners for your trip? Before you go, download Google Maps or Apple Maps for your destinations. Just know that downloaded maps will gobble up storage on your device. You can, of course, use your smartphone’s built-in GPS to orient yourself in a new-to-you place. You can even download a compass. Having trouble finding your car in the parking lot? With Android phones, ask Google Assistant or Google Maps to remember where you parked and find your vehicle. With iPhones, ask Siri to remember where you parked. Or just go low tech: take a picture of your car’s location and nearby signage. For your safety, carry your phone with you whenever you leave home. It gives your family and friends peace of mind and is a valuable communication tool in an emergency. Newer phones even have a feature to add a medical ID, which can help first responders access critical medical information such as allergies, medical conditions and emergency contacts (also entered in your contact list as ICE, for In Case of Emergency) from the Lock screen, without needing your passcode. So, how can I use my smartphone safely? Of course, smartphones pose challenges. For one, thieves view older people as easy targets. Social isolation and age-related changes in the brain can make some older people easier to exploit with robocalls, fraudulent texts and other schemes. Fortunately, snowbirds can take steps to protect themselves from harm. Here’s what organizations such as the Toronto-based All Seniors Care Living Centres Ltd. recommend: 1. Start with the basics and simplify your smartphone for easy use. As soon as you get your device, take the time to learn to use it properly. If you’re not tech savvy, ask a trusted family member or friend for help. 2. Use a pin, password or pattern to lock your phone. Protect your smartphone contents with a password. For most Android devices, go to your location and security settings for instructions. Apple iOS users can find these functions in the general options of their settings. 3. Know who’s calling and texting you. If you see a number which you don’t recognize, don’t answer. Let the call go to voicemail. If you get a text or email from a business asking for account information, ignore it and then contact the business directly (using a number obtained independently) to confirm the request. Do not click on links in these texts or emails; these “phishing” expeditions want access to your data. You can easily “block” these numbers as well. 4. Exercise caution with public Wi-Fi. Don’t log into online bank or credit-card accounts while connected to public Wi-Fi, for example at a coffee shop, waiting room or airport lounge. Hackers can use that connection to get your account information and steal your money. If you must bank or shop with your smartphone, log out of those sites once you’ve completed your transaction. 5. Only download apps from trusted sources. Be careful about downloading apps and sharing information with the apps that you have. Make sure to download apps through credible sources such as the App Store or Google Play. 6. Don’t keep personal information on your phone. Do NOT store personal information such as your social insurance number or passwords in Notes, Google Keep, OneNote or similar apps. If your phone is stolen or hacked, this will put you at higher risk for identity theft. No matter how you use it, here’s to you and your smartphone: May this be the beginning of a very smart friendship. CSANews | SPRING 2025 | 43
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