Technology should work for you, not against you.
Available for Kindle preorder. Smart Tech for Real People: Tech for Seniors will be released on September 29, 2026. The paperback is scheduled for release on the same date.
Smart Tech for Seniors is written specifically for older adults who want to stay connected, safe, and independent in a digital world. With large text, clear screenshots, and patient explanations, this book covers smartphones, tablets, video calls, online shopping, banking, and staying safe online — all at a pace that respects your experience.
Free Companion Resource: Smart Tech Toolkit
Tech for Seniors is being developed alongside the Smart Tech Toolkit, a free browser-based collection of practical guides and interactive tools. The Toolkit is available now and includes a dedicated Tech for Seniors starting point.
No account or installation is required. Open toolkit.tartanleaf.com/tech-for-seniors on a smartphone, tablet or computer. Your answers and saved plans stay in that browser on your device.
If you want quicker access, use your browser’s Add to Home Screen or Install App option. The wording varies by browser and device.
What the Toolkit provides
- Start with familiar tasks – Go directly to accessibility settings, device setup, scam checks, privacy choices and digital-literacy tools
- Check suspicious messages – Review texts, emails, phone numbers, web addresses or screenshots for common warning signs
- Follow plain-language guides – Work through passwords, larger text, backups, scams and other everyday tasks
- Make practical plans – Save checklists and next steps locally in your browser
- Adjust accessibility – Change text size, contrast and motion settings
The Toolkit is free to use and requires no sign-up. It does not contain advertising, and the information you enter is processed locally in your browser.
Open the Smart Tech Toolkit for Tech for Seniors →
What This Book Covers
- Smartphones and Tablets — iPhone and Android basics: calls, texts, photos, apps, and settings
- Video Calling — FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, and WhatsApp: connecting with family and friends visually
- Email and Messaging — Setting up, reading, writing, and managing your digital correspondence
- Online Shopping and Banking — Buying safely, managing accounts, and recognizing scams
- Social Media — Facebook, Instagram, and staying in touch without overwhelm
- Photos and Memories — Taking, organizing, backing up, and sharing photos and videos
- Health and Wellness Apps — Medication reminders, fitness tracking, and telehealth basics
- Staying Safe Online — Passwords, scams, phishing, and privacy settings made simple
Who This Book Is For
- Adults aged 55+ who want to master their devices with confidence
- Family members helping parents or grandparents get comfortable with technology
- Anyone who finds standard tech guides move too fast or use too much jargon
- Retirees looking to stay connected, entertained, and engaged digitally
- Anyone who believes it is never too late to learn
What Makes This Book Different
- Large text and clear layouts — Designed for readability and comfort
- No assumptions — Every term is explained from the ground up
- Companion Toolkit – The free Smart Tech Toolkit provides interactive guides, checks and practical planning tools
- Real senior voices — Written with input from older adults about what actually confuses them
- Patient pace — One concept at a time, with plenty of review and encouragement
Release Status
The Kindle edition is available for preorder now. The ebook and paperback are scheduled for release on September 29, 2026.
← Back to Smart Tech for Real People
Related Titles
Other titles in the Smart Tech for Real People series:
- Digital Literacy — Foundation skills for understanding and using modern technology
- Family Internet Safety — Protecting children and managing shared home internet
- Home Networking — Wi-Fi, routers, and getting the most from your home internet
See the full Smart Tech for Real People series →
Preorder the Kindle Edition
The Kindle preorder is open now. Preorder Smart Tech for Real People: Tech for Seniors for delivery on September 29, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Tech for Seniors
Am I too old to learn this technology?
No one is too old to learn technology. The book is specifically designed for readers who did not grow up with smartphones and computers, using large text, clear language, and step-by-step instructions without assuming prior knowledge. Learning technology is like learning any new skill — it takes patience and practice, not youth. Many readers in their 70s and 80s have successfully mastered the skills in this book.
How do I make text bigger and easier to read on my phone?
Both iPhones and Android phones include accessibility settings that increase text size throughout the system, not just in specific apps. The book provides illustrated instructions for finding these settings, explains how to enable bold text for better contrast, and covers additional options like zoom gestures, voice-over narration, and high-contrast display modes that make screens easier to use.
Why are some text messages blue and some green — does it matter?
Blue messages are sent through Apple’s iMessage service over the internet, while green messages are standard SMS text messages sent through your cellular provider. iMessage offers features like read receipts, typing indicators, and higher-quality photos, but only works between Apple devices. Green messages work with any phone. The book explains when each is used, how to tell the difference, and why your messages might change color depending on who you are texting.
How do I know if an email is a scam?
Look for these warning signs: urgent language demanding immediate action, requests for passwords or payment information, sender addresses that do not match the claimed company, poor grammar or spelling, and unexpected attachments. Legitimate companies never ask for passwords via email. The book provides visual examples of real and fake emails side by side, teaches you to hover over links before clicking, and explains how to report suspicious messages.
How do I set up a video call to see my grandchildren?
The book provides illustrated, step-by-step instructions for the most popular video calling apps: FaceTime for Apple devices, Google Meet for Android and computers, and Zoom for cross-platform calls. It covers creating accounts, adding contacts, starting calls, adjusting camera and microphone settings, and troubleshooting common problems like no sound or frozen video. You will also learn how to help your grandchildren set up their end of the call.