Digital accessibility and the elderly
Technology is growing at an incredible rate. Unfortunately, as the industry grows there are some people in danger of being left behind.
We’ve worked closely with elderly people who need support and it can be difficult and distressing for them when they aren’t able to complete tasks that require technical knowledge. Technology is constantly evolving, and it can be hard to keep up with the changes. Elderly people may also become less digitally capable as they age, as their eyesight or hearing deteriorates. They may not have a support system around them to help. Unfortunately, according to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone.
Covid 19 showed us the importance of technology and made tools like QR codes a huge part of life. However, many elderly people don’t have smart phones. They can be too expensive or too complicated for their needs. This means elderly people may not be able to access your web page or app, or download your menu, if it’s only available via a QR code. We’ve even recently seen instruction manuals that are only available via a QR code. This is discriminating against the people who don’t have smart phones.
As we age, our health can decline affecting our vision and hearing. One in three elderly people has hearing loss. They will likely need to turn on captions on videos and the television. If captions aren’t available, they may not be able to understand what is happening.
As our vision declines, our ability to see contrast in colours is especially affected. This means larger fonts and sufficient contrast in colours are especially important. We recently met an elderly gentleman who couldn’t get into his internet banking as the pin reminders are completely inaccessible. AbilityNet had to get involved and help the man access his banking. It is the elderly’s right to be able to access the same information as everyone else.
A typical pin reminder letter where the code is barely legible
The purpose of accessibility is to make sure no one is left behind.
Tips to help the elderly with digital content:
Don’t make digital tools like QR codes the only method of accessing information.
Check any colours you’re using are accessible with a colour contrast checker.
Use a large, clear font like Verdana, Calibri, Arial and Tahoma in a minimum point 12 size.
Use captions on videos. YouTube and Vimeo have made captions extremely easy to add.
Provide alternative text on all images, for those using screen readers.
Split your content up using headings, to make it easier to read and digest.
Don’t use jargon or confusing terms when a simpler alternative is available.
Offer multiple methods of communication, both online and offline.
You can volunteer to help the elderly with technology in the UK. It can be extremely rewarding and eye-opening to see the struggles the elderly face first-hand. We recommend AbilityNet’s IT Can Help programme, if it’s something you’d like to do.
