Tom wrote:
the elderly lady who loves nearby has fingers that are gnarled with
rheumatoid arthritis. Meanwhile, electric hedge clippers these days
are made with triggers that take a lot more force than years ago -
and so does the thumb-operated catch that lets you lock the clipper
into the 'on' position.

Is there any way to make it easier for her?

Take the hedge clippers apart. There might be a way to defeat the safety
lock.

Of course if you're in California, there might be a law prohibiting the
defeating of safety locks.