How Can Accessibility Overlay Tools Help Accommodate Aging Web Users

The ability to easily access and use the Internet has become an essential component of living a modern life. People use the Internet to find health information, gain access to various benefits, stay in touch with friends and family, and learn about an unprecedented range of commercial and social services that directly affect the quality of our lives. However, many web designers usually overlook older demographics to ensure equal access to the Internet, resulting in a noticeable age-based digital divide. So, it is vital to use technologies like accessibility overlay tools to make websites more accessible to everyone, including aging web users.

Because of age-related disabilities, older users frequently face difficulties when accessing the Internet. The majority of these impairments are associated with declining vision (lower contrast sensitivity, color perception, and near-focus), physical ability (lower dexterity and fine motor control), hearing (difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds and separating sounds), and cognitive ability (reduced short-term memory and problems concentrating). As a result, websites, applications, and tools accessible to people with disabilities are also more accessible to older users.

Because the number of aging users will skyrocket in the coming decades, you must begin meeting the accessibility requirements that older people require to utilize the Internet fully. After all, older web users are a growing market segment as well. While the elderly continue to use the Internet at significantly lower rates than the general population, you should note that they want to connect more than ever before. According to recent research, more than 70% of internet users aged 65 and up now use the Internet daily. Compared to how much seniors were used to participating in the online world just a few years ago, this is remarkable progress.

However, while older demographics are more connected than ever before, it's essential to recognize that their web participation is still noticeably different from younger users. The team at MedAlertHelp created an infographic to help you better understand the current relationship seniors have with the Internet. Remember that accessibility overlay tools can help you reach more young and old users.