Dear LPG, 

If you are a pensioner who invested in a smart phone during the pandemic, or even before that, I think that what I have to write might be worth reading even though some of the details might go right over your head. 

Smart phones are wonderful things and there are quite a few ways that their users can make sure that even if yours falls into the wrong hands, it will be very difficult for those wrong hands to get any information out of the phone.  The only thing someone who finds a lost phone can usually do, if they don’t know the entry code is reset the phone and use it themselves, unless they are clever enough to bypass the screen lock, and armed with the IMEI code, the phone is quite likely to get found in the end  (►►►).

This ensures that if you lose it, the person who finds it could reset it but, it would be hard for them to access your personal information unless you want them to.

Did you know that most modern smart phones have an emergency option that you can access without knowing the password or pin number?

Just like on a phone with an SOS button, you can leave the telephone number of a person to be called in case of an emergency on many I phones and android smart phones.  I have found some online instructions about how although I suggest that it might be a good idea to get someone who knows a bit about getting into the settings menu to set it up for you.  You can also add medical information in case you are found with the phone when unable or perhaps too ill to supply it yourself.   

Imagine fainting while on a train journey where you are found, completely disorientated with medics around you asking questions about any allergies you may have or your blood type.  It might never happen but if it did that information would be available to make treating you much quicker and effective.  Of course, we know it will never happen to any of us but if you are reading anything on this website, you are more than likely collecting a few more complicated medical conditions as you get a bit older.

ICE is accepted as an acronym for ‘In Case of Emergency’ and over the years there have been SOS bracelets and necklaces produced so that medics in particular would know where to find vital medical information if it was needed.  

There are now quite a few phones which are specially designed for older people that come with an SOS button on the back, but if yours is not one of those I suggest that you get someone who understands the technicalities to check the links below. 

CP, Lee 

CP offers a few links that will show you how this is done…

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