How Digital Accessibility Still Needs Improving For The Elderly

Despite living in a technologically advanced world, a recent study by Age UK revealed that nearly half (46%) of people aged 65 and over struggle to navigate the internet safely or complete basic online tasks.

Older generations are typically left behind and not necessarily by choice, but because technology is frequently designed without their accessibility needs in mind. In this blog, we’ll explore how digital accessibility can be improved to better support seniors and ensure they’re not excluded from the digital world.

What is meant by accessibility?

Accessibility is about removing potential barriers to services, products, environments and experiences, ensuring everybody has the same opportunity to access them. When considering accessibility, it is important to be inclusive of disabilities including visual and hearing impairments, reduced mobility and cognitive disabilities.

In the digital world, accessibility refers to the functionality of websites, apps, and online tools, and it is concerned with how digital content is perceived, operable, and understandable. Accessible features might include easier keyboard navigation for typing, variable text size so words are more legible, and haptic feedback, which responds to a person’s touch. Options like these are designed to make using these devices easier to use independently.

Where is web usage letting seniors down? Although three-quarters of UK residents aged 65 and over use the internet daily, many seniors struggle to keep up with rapid technological advancements and a lack of online navigation skills. This is because many websites are not designed with older adults in mind, failing to address their unique needs and accessibility requirements.

Colour combinations

Individuals with reduced vision find it easier to read content with enhanced contrast between text and background. For example, black text on a white background. When selecting colours for your website, it is important to present the information as clearly as possible with enough contrast. There are a variety of tools including contrast checkers that you can utilise to ensure that your content is legible. This is particularly important because seniors might be required to access important information online that could otherwise be misinterpreted.

Text size

Many websites use small default font sizes, which, although easy to read for a minor, can be difficult for seniors to comprehend. This is compounded by the fact that older adults may not know how to zoom in on their browsers or devices. There is no officially recognised font size for accessibility, but 16px is generally recommended for readable text.

Small clickable items

Many websites and apps have interactive elements incorporated into their design. For technologically literate people, we’ve become accustomed to recognising these elements and can typically differentiate between legitimate links and spam pop-ups based on their appearance, placement, or behaviour.

For elderly individuals, legitimate small clickable items can be confusing or difficult to access. For example, when placing an online order with a small ‘pay’ button, a person with reduced dexterity might struggle to submit this transaction. This is because precise clicks on small targets can be challenging, especially on touchscreens. This leads to frustrations as it can make an otherwise simple transaction more cumbersome.

Unclear sounds

Seniors with impaired hearing might not be aware of sounds coming from their devices, particularly notifications. Additional accessibility tools can be utilised with the phone, for example, “Hearing Aid Compatibility” connects the device’s audio directly to your hearing aids. Other sensory cues such as flashing lights, pop-up messages or vibration feedback utilise all the senses to notify you of alerts, calls and messages and can be found on your phone’s accessibility settings.

Poor navigation and menu structure

Websites with cluttered menus, multiple navigation layers, or inconsistent layouts can easily confuse seniors, making it harder for them to find what they’re looking for. Poor navigation and menu structure become even more challenging when the same content is presented differently across devices. For example, the way a site is navigated on a mobile device could differ entirely from how it functions on a desktop, leading to further confusion.

How does this affect digital inclusion for the elderly?

These accessibility factors have a significant impact on digital inclusion for the elderly, creating a divide between those who can utilise the online world easily and those who can’t. As a result, elderly individuals may be excluded from important online services, which can lead to missed opportunities, isolation and a reduced quality of life.

Inability to purchase onlineIn 2024, 68% of UK businesses were reported to have an online presence. As more businesses move to digital platforms, seniors who lack access to or awareness of the online world risk being left behind. Their inability to shop online prevents them from obtaining essential items, such as clothing, medications, or prescriptions. This issue is particularly challenging for those with reduced mobility or disabilities, for whom shopping in physical stores can be difficult or even impossible.

Risk of hacking and scams

Elderly individuals are often the victims of hacking and cyber scams from criminals who pry on their limited awareness of safe online practices. Without proper digital literacy, seniors are more susceptible to phishing attacks and unknowingly sharing private information, compromising their personal and financial safety. Nearly three in five (61%) older people have been the target of financial fraud, with 17% falling victim, with a reported average loss of £3,798 per scam.

Distrust in using technology

Previous negative experiences, such as falling victim to an online scam, can lead to distrust of online tools with seniors. 30% of those aged 65 reported feeling uncomfortable with online banking. This distrust in using technology will likely stop them from engaging in similar services again, preventing them from experiencing the benefits of the digital world, which could enhance their quality of life.

Isolation

Similarly, this distrust in using technology can also lead to isolation in older communities. With the majority of adults using a smartphone to connect via phone call, text or social media, elderly individuals who refuse to acknowledge these technologies are far more likely to be ostracised. This can lead to feeling disconnected from family or friends and missing out on activities. Isolation in seniors is a big issue which can lead to mental health-related illnesses.

Anxiety

The fast pace of technological change can create anxiety for seniors, particularly when they feel pressured to learn unfamiliar systems. The stress of keeping up with constant advancements, combined with the fear of making mistakes or falling victim to scams, can be overwhelming.

Why upskilling for the elderly isn’t enough

The obvious answer might be to simply train seniors to be computer literate with a better understanding of the digital world. With time, many seniors easily pick up and understand how to use different devices, apps or sites. However, they are still likely to be impacted by the design and functionality of these digital tools which do not cater fully to their accessibility needs.

For example, a senior with reduced vision may be a whiz with their smartphone, but they will still struggle with small text or a lack of colour contrast on a screen, regardless of how much they’ve learned about using a computer or mobile device.

The importance of online communications

While online shopping has grown significantly since the pandemic, it still represents just 26.2% of all retail transactions in the UK. Many retailers, however, fail to provide alternative communication and purchasing methods, such as phone orders or in-person shopping options.

Conclusion

While some considerations have been made towards improving digital accessibility for elderly individuals, there is still much to be done to ensure they can navigate and utilise the digital world more easily. This includes building accessibility features from early design phases and supporting seniors with improved online safety and anti-phishing measures. As we move to an increasingly digital age, all members of society must be able to have the same access to resources and community, ensuring that we reduce isolation and loneliness for those most at risk.