The impact of aging on access to technology

  • Authors:
  • Sara J. Czaja;Chin Chin Lee

  • Affiliations:
  • University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences, Center on Aging, 1695 N.W. 9th Avenue, 33133, Miami, FL, USA;University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences, Center on Aging, 1695 N.W. 9th Avenue, 33133, Miami, FL, USA

  • Venue:
  • Universal Access in the Information Society
  • Year:
  • 2007

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Abstract

The number of people over the age of 65 is increasing worldwide with the fastest growing subgroup those aged 80+ years. Computer and information technologies hold promise in terms of increasing the quality of life for older people. However, successful use of technology by older adults is predicated on systems that are designed to accommodate the needs and preferences of this user group. This paper discusses the implications of age-related changes in cognition for system design. Generally, the existing literature shows that, although older adults are willing to use technology, many report usability problems with existing systems and these problems may in part be due to the cognitive and perceptual demands placed on the user. These findings are discussed in terms of guidelines for system design.