Chapter 21

Designing Computer Systems for Older Adults

Sara J. Czaja and Chin Chin Lee
University of Miami School of Medicine

 

Outline

Introduction

Use of Computer Technology by Older Adults

Work Environments

Home Environments

Health Care

Understanding the Older Computer User

Sensory Processes

Motor Skills

Cognitive Abilities

Older Adults ’Acceptance of Computer Technology

Older Adults and the Acquisition of Computer Skills

Aging and Computer Task Performance

Designing Computer Systems to Accommodate Older Adults

Hardware Considerations

Input Devices

Software Considerations

Conclusions

References

 

Figures

Figure 21.1: Number of persons aged 65+,1900–2030. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging (2000).

Figure 21.2: Trends of computer and internet access. Source: U.S. Census Bureau (1999).

Figure 21.3: Percent of U.S. persons using the Internet. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging (2000).

Figure 21.4: Perceptual and motor impairments.