Email Essentials: How to Stay in Touch Through Your Inbox

How to use email guide for senior citizens

Email may seem confusing at first, but it’s actually one of the easiest and most reliable ways to keep in touch with loved ones, receive important updates, and even share pictures or notes. In this simple guide, we’ll walk you through the basics—step by step.


Whether you’re just starting out or brushing up your skills, you’ll be able to use email with confidence in no time.

✉️ Step-by-Step: How to Read and Send an Email

  1. Open Your Email Program This could be Gmail, Yahoo, or another service. You can usually find it on your desktop, phone, or tablet.

  2. Check Your Inbox The inbox is where new emails arrive. Click on any message to read it. Don’t worry—you won’t accidentally delete anything by opening it.

  3. Click “Reply” to Answer a Message You’ll see a button called “Reply” or “Reply All.” Just type your message and hit “Send.”

  4. To Send a New Email: Close-up of the word 'email' formed with letter tiles on a gray surface.

    • Click “Compose” or “New Message”

    • Type the person’s email address

    • Add a subject (like “Just Saying Hello”)

    • Write your message, and then click “Send”

🟦 Tip: It’s okay to start simple. A message as short as “Hope you’re doing well!” can brighten someone’s day.

 

🚫 How to Recognize Spam and Stay Safe

Spam emails are unwanted messages, often trying to trick you. Here’s how to spot them:

  • They might say things like “Congratulations, You’ve Won!” or ask for personal information.

  • If you don’t know the sender, or the message seems strange, delete it.

  • Never click on links or download attachments from people you don’t trust.

🛡 Safety Keyword:letter, e-mail, mail, hand, write, contact, glut, spam, internet, communication, digital, news, computer, networking, computer science, information, post office, transfer, envelope, network, spam, spam, spam, spam, spam online safety for seniors

 

🟦 Tip: Most email programs have a “Report Spam” button. Clicking it helps block future junk mail.

 

📇 How to Add Contacts and Share Photos

  • To Add a Contact:

    • Find the sender’s name in your inbox

    • Click on it and look for “Add to Contacts”

    • That way, their emails won’t go to spam by accident

  • To Attach a Photo or Document:

    • When writing a message, look for a paperclip or “Attach File” icon

    • Click it and choose the photo or file you want to send

    • The file will appear in the message, ready to goworkplace, macbook, computer, digital, oil painting, technology, work, creative, digital, creative, creative, creative, creative, creative

📷 




Helpful Phrase: how to attach a photo in email for beginners

 

🟦 Tip: Sending a picture of your garden, pet, or a family photo makes your email feel extra personal.

 

💙 You’re On Your Way

Using email doesn’t have to be stressful. By learning just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to stay connected, share joy, and feel confident navigating your inbox.

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