Easy Guide to Texting | AMAC

Posted on Friday, July 11, 2025

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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson

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Communicating and staying in touch with others in the modern world requires some knowledge of technology. Seniors who feel challenged by new developments in the tech world should not hesitate to be involved. Rather, jump in by taking classes or asking family and friends in the know to share their knowledge. Here, we put together an easy guide to texting for seniors who might be a bit apprehensive with technology yet seek to learn more and stay engaged.

Why learn new tricks?

It’s human nature to enjoy routines. In fact, many people find comfort in repetition. But change is inevitable, and older people must strive to learn new things to remain active and function well. Regardless of age, being open-minded to changes and improvements in technology is essential for communication in today’s world. So, pardon the expression, sometimes old dogs must learn new tricks to keep up.

Why text?

Communicating via text is essential for doing everyday tasks. Many trades are moving away from old-fashioned telephone calls to conduct business. For example, most doctors’ offices now use automated services or require patients to go on their phone to make their next appointment. Medical patients may also be required to respond to a text to confirm the appointment time and date. These are prime examples why knowing technology basics is a must for all adults. This is particularly helpful for seniors who visit their doctors regularly.

About Texts:

Texts are a popular form of electronic messages between mobile phones, table computers, smartwatches, desktops and laptops, and other devices. They offer quick communication between people for business and personal reasons. They can also send and receive emergency alerts, healthcare messages, travel confirmations, and more. There are different types of texts including SMS (Short Message Service for text-based messaging) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service for multimedia content along with text). SMS is the most common form of text messaging. One of the most popular ways to send and receive SMS text messages is through smartphone devices.

When texting, stick to these simple rules of text etiquette:

• Keep messages clear and concise to avoid confusion.
• Be respectful. Know your audience and watch your language and overall tone.
• Avoid messaging at inappropriate times (late nights, early mornings, etc.).
• Be responsive to others but also be patient when awaiting replies. 
• Avoid the use of excess emojis or abbreviations.
• Do not argue via text or overanalyze received messages.
• Never share sensitive or confidential information via text messages.
• Never text while driving or walking.  

Texting platforms offer mechanisms that allow people to add contacts to their database. People may also send individual or group texts to multiple individuals.

Steps to sending a basic text message

Note that this can vary slightly per type of smartphone

1. Open the messaging app to start a new message. On most phones you’ll find the message app on the home screen. It may look like a speech bubble or paper airplane.
2. Enter the recipient(s). Manually type in the recipient’s phone number or select them from your contact list. * (See note below)
3. Tap the text box to type your message. Or hit the “compose” button (square with pencil) to start a message and to also enter the recipient’s name (To:)
4. Proofread and approve of the message, then tap the send button. (It may look like a paper airplane or upward arrow.)

Note below: *Alternatively use Siri voice commands to draft and send a message to specific people in your contact list.

Special notes:

• If you don’t want to send a message right away, it can be saved as a draft.
• Some message apps offer “read” receipts to see if the recipient has opened and read your message.
• Some message apps allow people to delete sent messages. Note that sent messages may sometimes only be deleted from a device but may remain on backups in the device’s storage.
• People can use the microphone to speak and construct texts.

Options when replying:

• Long press: Touch and hold the specific message you want to reply to within the conversation.
• Copy and paste: Allows users to copy or paste messages.
• Autofill and text effects: Autofill automatically suggests or completes words or phrases as you type. Text effects provide ways for users to add visual flair to messages.
• Select reply: A menu will appear with options including “Reply” or “Reply with a quote.”
• Compose and send: Type your reply and then send it. Your reply will be linked to the specific message you selected.
• Other features: People can translate, make payments and reservations, check in, add photos, images, emojis, music, maps, audio, locations and more – all via text.

The bottom line

This easy guide to texting is designed to benefit people who are unfamiliar with these communication platforms and seek to learn basics. Technology is continually evolving. Still, text messaging remains a popular way to access information and communicate for business and personal reasons. Seniors may be required to know this technology to conduct everyday tasks such as confirming medical appointments or receiving personal messages. While it may feel overwhelming to learn new skills, it is entirely beneficial to have some knowledge of how to navigate popular devices. Older people who lack experience with technology may take classes to acquire basic skills or ask younger family members to show them the ropes. This not only serves to keep the brain sharp, but it also promotes self-sufficiency, independence, and the peace of mind that senior citizens deserve.