Date post: | 07-Nov-2014 |
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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