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Creating Online Environments That Work Well For Older Users

posted by martyb on Saturday November 23 2019, @04:15AM   Printer-friendly
from the You-May-Be-Younger,-But-I-Have-Better-Insurance dept.

Appalbarry writes:

(Disclaimer: I wrote the article Creating Online Environments That Work Well For Older Users but suspect that many Soylentils will find it useful.)

A significant part of the Internet-using population is aged 50 or older — including the people who invented it. Web designers need to understand what older users need and why it's not enough to just say, "I can read it, so what's the problem?"

If you're my age you have no doubt run into more than a few web sites that are just plain useless, either because you can't read the text, or because they were designed using assumptions that those of us over forty years of age don't find useful. Whether it's our need for high contrast text, or our preference for actual words and paragraphs over video, the needs of older users often get ignored.

We are the generation that invented and grew up with personal computers. It's absurd to suggest that we are less capable of using technology. In other words, you can't complain about old people not understanding tech, and then also complain that they've taken over Facebook and Twitter. Besides, we also usually have lots more disposable income, so catering to our needs is good for business.

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  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday November 23 2019, @03:00PM (2 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Saturday November 23 2019, @03:00PM (#923837)

    For you younger olds, the American Association of Retired Persons is doing a Black Friday [aarp.org] special, 5 year membership for $50 instead of $60. If nothing else, I bet people who read the forums -- or maybe even articles -- could benefit from our, er, charitable and nuanced perspectives.

    AARP? No thanks. I'd rather have my tonsils extracted through my ears than give those insurance company shills a nickel.

  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday November 23 2019, @03:41PM (1 child)

    by Anonymous Coward on Saturday November 23 2019, @03:41PM (#923846)

    How fortunate! I am a part time surgeon, and this week, I am running a special on customized tonsil extractions! For the low-low price of $99.95, you can have your tonsils extracted through your ear canal! And, for only $89.99 more, we can capture the procedure on video, for you to share with friends and family! Act now, call me at 1-800-sucker for this special deal!

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday November 23 2019, @06:05PM

      by Anonymous Coward on Saturday November 23 2019, @06:05PM (#923896)

      And, for only $89.99 more, we can capture the procedure on video, for you to share with friends and family!

      I already have a video of my latest colonoscopy to give as gifts to friends and family.

      Thanks muchly for the offer. Maybe next year.