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You're not having senior moments or widow's brain fog: It's your iPhone that's the problem

A few tweaks or changes, and you should be good to go.

By Cheryl E PrestonPublished about a year ago 3 min read
Top Story - August 2025
iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 15

Senior moments and widow's brain fog are real

If you are an older adult over 60, you may notice changes in your day-to-day routine that are related to the aging process. If you are a widow or widower, you may feel disoriented without your life partner and find that you are forgetful or make some mistakes.

Things drop and break, and short-term memory is an issue. Senior moments and Widow's brain fog are real, but they are not always the issue. If you are experiencing certain issues with your iPhone, the problem may not be with you, but your device, which is causing the problems.

My iPhone caused anxiety

I owned an iPhone 12 a few years back that would slide across tables and fall to the floor when it rang or vibrated. I also dropped it a lot and felt like a klutz. I later learned that it was the fiberglass back that caused the sliding problem. However, when I upgraded to an iPhone 13 mini, the situation became worse.

No matter how hard I tried to hold the device, the phone kept slip sliding away out of my hand to the ground or falling from a table. Eventually, the front and back looked like my iPhone had been on a battlefield. I began using the speaker because callers could not hear me. When my phoen rang I had to say hello several times before anyone responded.

I also found it more difficult to see the writing when I went online, but I became used to the dysfunction and wondered if I were having senior moments or dealing with widow's brain.

The mystery unravels

I realized it was neither, after my youngest son decided to put me out of my misery and upgraded me to an iPhone 15. The first thing I noticed was that I did not drop it once. The larger phone was easier to grip and was not made from the same material as my previous phones, so it was not slipping and sliding all over the place.

My son had the foresight to choose the option for larger print when he set the phone up, and I realized I could see without squinting. This was something I had not even known was available. Now I can see numbers and letters without squinting.

A bonus came with my upgrade

Owning the larger phone makes it easier to keep up with. No matter how hard I tried to live by the adage "A place for everything and everything in its place," I failed. I misplaced my phone several times a day. When my children or grandchildren were around I was asking them to dila my phone so I could find it.

I am happy to report that it's been a week since I received my iPhone 15, and I have not dropped it or lost it once. It also stays put when it rings and does not slide or fall.

There are issues in this life that come with aging and others that happen to widows and widowers who loved and miss their husbands or wives. Your iPhone slipping from your hands may not be one of them. Having trouble reading the letters and numbers, even with bifocals or reading glasses, can be alleviated by changing your settings. "Who knew?"

FYI

For your information, the iPhone 16 Plus is 16.7 inches and recommended as the best smartphone for seniors. Make sure your next phone has the larger print and is easier to hold onto. This will give you peace of mind. Also, purchase a case and a screen cover, and your iPhone will have extra protection.

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About the Creator

Cheryl E Preston

Cheryl is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She enjoys writing about current events, history and baby boomer nostalgia. Tips are greatly appreciated.

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    Written by Cheryl E Preston