Accessible Technology for Seniors

April 8, 2023

Seniors and TechnologyAs boomers and seniors get older they will want

access to a wide array of technology to: Keep in touch with family and friends

Maintain home safety and security

Partake in continuous learning

Contribute to society

Keep mentally active

Access health related solutions in the home

Seniors and TechnologySeniors and their children will seek solutions for

both their home and their continuing care facilities

Health TechnologyPrescription Tracking

Medication Reminders

Cognitive Fitness Auditory and Visual Acuity training

Dementia and Alzheimers

Telemedicine Diabetes Monitoring

Home TechnologySafety and Security

Home Monitoring

Automatic light and temperature

control

Home sensors relay information

to caregivers

Communication TechnologyPhones

Jitterbug

Email, Internet and Photos PointerWare

Big Screen Live

Generations Online

Why is simple software important?Consider the Windows alternative:

1,000,000 and 1 features

Desktop, icons, file system

Overlapping Windows

Viruses and malware

Statistics 55% of Seniors claim that computers are “Hard

to learn to use”[Source: Healthy@Home, March 2008, AARP survey.]

Many Seniors aren’t online because: 39% of respondents: “Never learned how” 31% of respondents: “It’s too complicated”

[Source: EHealth and the Elderly, 2004, Kaiser Family Foundation ]

Accessible TechnologyAs individuals age, they may be affected by:

Vision loss

Mobility challenges

Hearing difficulty

Dexterity issues

Memory loss

The design of accessible technology must be

informed by these challenges!

Accessible Technology DesignDesign considerations for computer technology:

Font size

Button size

Color contrast

Complexity (Ex. Number of features)

Prior knowledge required (Ex. How to use a mouse?)

Learning curve

Memory (How many steps are involved?)

There is NO SUBSTITUTE for feedback from real users!

PointerWare: Easy Software

PointerWare: Benefits Keeping Families in Touch – Family members are amazed

when they receive a voicemail for the first time from their mom or dad!

Empowerment and independence – Learning how to use a computer on their own is liberating and empowering!

Reduced Loneliness – Email and photos help bridge the long distances between seniors and their family

Mental Health – Games providing cognitive stimulation can lower the risk of dementia by as much as 63%2

2New England Journal of Medicine – June 2003

Computer HardwareAccessible hardware has been dropping in price!

Need to buy a new computer? HP Touchsmart ($1200 +)

Includes 22” Touchscreen + Computer

Asus EEE Top ($700)

15.6” Touchscreen + Computer

Computer HardwareNeed a new computer screen?

LCD 19”: $250

ELO 19” Touchscreen : $770

Want a live demonstration?Visit your closest Revera residence:

McKenzie Towne Retirement Residence 20 Promenade Park SE

The Renoir 9229 - 16 Street SW

Questions?

“Gray is Good! Accessible technology for the elderly is a top trend over the

next 24 months.”Duncan Stewart, Director of Research, Technology, Media

& Telecommunications (Deloitte)  - Investor Presentation April 2008