SimpliTend, created by Saeed Saatchi of Middletown, is designed to make smartphones easier to operate for older people and their caregivers.

These lower-tech devices do not include many of the apps typically found on smartphones. And that may be appealing if you're ...

Ten years ago you could “love ‘em or leave ‘em” when it came to smartphones. You can’t do that anymore, especially if you have family members or friends you want to communicate with.

They came in need of help, smartphones in hand. One couldn’t answer calls. Another had mailbox problems. Many needed screen adjustments, especially enlarging the text size on their devices.

Besides teaching essential smartphone skills, Ortiz is just as passionate about making sure the seniors know they are still valued members of our community.

People are using smartphones now more than ever — but are these tools hurting us more than helping us? According to the Pew Research Center, 91% of Americans own a smartphone.