Why switch from hand written diary to iPhone Calendar?

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We are about to run a Tech Clinic on iPhone Calendar and Reminders for one of our group of seniors. I know that some of them still use their hand written diaries, so how do we get them to make the switch? I made the switch to an electronic diary many years ago when I was still working. It wasn't voluntary, it was just the way business was done. In my case, I saw the logic of it and switched my personal diary to electronic too. 

Here is Rich Bolin explaining how to use Apple Calendar in his wonderful way of explaining everything.



Why should you change

So I asked CoPilot for a list of benefits.

📱 Switching from handwritten diaries to iPhone calendars can feel like a leap—but for seniors, it can be a leap toward convenience, connection, and confidence. 

Here’s why:

  • Automatic reminders: Birthdays, doctor appointments, local fairs—you’ll never miss a beat.
  • Recurring events: Set once, and you’re sorted! Weekly coffee with friends or monthly garden club? Done.
  • Easy edits: Plans change, and typing updates is much easier than crossing out entries with ink.

👀 Clear & Accessible

  • Larger text and voice input: Use accessibility settings or even tell Siri what to add—no need to squint or struggle.
  • Colour-coded categories: Separate family, community events, and personal time with just a glance.

🌍 More Connected

  • Shared calendars: Coordinate with family, caregivers, or even local groups. Your granddaughter could see your availability for a Zoom catch-up or workshop event.
  • Event invitations: RSVP straight from your calendar app, bridging digital social interaction effortlessly.

🛡️ Safe & Secure

  • Backup & restore: Lose the phone? Your calendar’s safe in iCloud. Diaries don’t fare well in puddles or packing boxes.
  • Password protection: No prying eyes—privacy stays intact.

📖 A New Chapter in Daily Joy

Think of it less as giving up your diary, and more as gaining a dynamic planning companion. The calendar becomes a tool not just for appointments, but for enriching life—like adding cultural outings during Wimbledon week or organising a seniors’ retreat inspired by your creative vision.


How do you do it?

1📆 Getting Started with iPhone Calendars: A Friendly Setup Guide

1. Begin with the Basics

  • Open the Calendar app on the iPhone—it’s the red icon with a white background.
  • Tap the "+" icon (usually top-right) to add a new event like a tea meet-up or doctor’s appointment.

2. Choose Joyful Categories

  • Create color-coded calendars:
    • 💜 “Family Time” for calls with your granddaughter
    • 🧡 “Community Events” for fairs, garden walks, or tennis matches
    • 💚 “Me Time” for daily walks or a film retreat

3. Voice-Activated Ease

  • Ask Siri: “Add Wimbledon match to my calendar next Monday at 2 PM.”
  • Ideal for shaky hands or low vision—plus, it feels futuristic!

4. Reminders & Recurring Magic

  • Set alerts to nudge you gently before events.
  • Mark weekly events as recurring—like “Coffee with Joan every Friday at 10 AM.”

5. Share & Connect

  • Invite family to view or help manage your calendar.
    • In the Calendar app: Tap Calendars → Add → Share with your granddaughter.
  • Great for scheduling joint activities or remote check-ins.

6. Accessibility First

  • Go to Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size for bigger text.
  • Or activate VoiceOver to hear your schedule spoken aloud.


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