Challenges Faced by Older Adults

As we age, natural changes in vision, hearing, dexterity, and cognitive abilities affect how we interact with technology. Age-related farsightedness makes it difficult to read small and dense text. Changes in eye structure reduce contrast sensitivity and colour differentiation, making it harder to navigate some digital interfaces. General hearing loss, particularly the ability to hear high-pitched sounds and voices in noisy environments, can hinder our ability to follow audio instructions. Reduced dexterity and tactile sensitivity can make it challenging to interact with small click targets and perform complex touchscreen manipulations. From a cognitive perspective, declines in working memory, fluid cognitive abilities, and attentional control can make navigating complex digital tasks overwhelming.

Beyond physical and cognitive changes that may create barriers, older adults have varying levels of digital literacy and bring a tapestry of experiences that shape their views on technology. Their attitudes towards aging, social and living factors, and emotions influence their interaction with digital interfaces. They may feel apprehensive about using technology, fearing mistakes, being judged, or falling victim to scams. In addition to frustration with poor design, these multifaceted factors can deter older adults from embracing new technologies or engaging in a digital world.

Designing for Inclusion: Shifting the Mindset

A “one size fits all” approach does not work for technology design as it fails to account for the dynamic and unique needs of diverse users. While accessibility guidelines may help to address certain age-related interaction barriers, they are insufficient and fail to meet the genuine needs of older adults. Designers tend to focus on what older adults can’t do rather than what they can do, aiming to compensate for age-related deficits rather than supporting later life enrichment. To create meaningful technologies for older adults, we need to shift our mindset. Designing for older adults should not be about simplification (bigger fonts, less information, etc.); it should be about augmentation and empowerment.

One recent initiative aimed at creating meaning technologies and improving the digital lives of older Canadians is McMaster University’s EMPOWrD (Enhancing Mobility and Participation for Older Adult Wellness through Digital Inclusion) major program of research, supported by the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA). Launched in 2024, EMPOWrD brings together a diverse team of experts from business, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences to develop holistic solutions for digital inclusion. The project aims to improve digital access by identifying and removing barriers to technology use; enhance digital capabilities through training programs that build confidence and skills; and create guidelines and frameworks for empowering interfaces that enrich the lives of older adults. Central to EMPOWrD’s approach is co-design, where older adults actively participate in the design process. By incorporating their feedback throughout development, researchers ensure that digital solutions align with real-world needs and experiences.

Overcoming Challenges in Co-Design

While co-design is essential, it has challenges. Simply asking older adults for their opinions can be problematic due to inherent biases that come with behavioural approaches which, in some cases, are augmented for older adult populations. For example, older adults may avoid admitting difficulties with technology interfaces, cognitive strain, or confusion because they do not want to appear incapable or reinforce negative aging stereotypes. Such biases can distort their feedback and lead to inaccurate conclusions. To address this, EMPOWrD researchers leverage neurophysiological tools at the McMaster Digital Transformation Research Centre (MDTRC). Technologies such as eye-tracking, pupillometry, heart rate, breathing rate, skin conductance, analysis of facial expressions and brain wave activity provide unbiased and granular insights into how older adults interact with digital interfaces. By combining behavioural and neurophysiological data, researchers gain a deeper understanding of engagement, stress, and usability challenges.

However, mobility barriers may prevent some older adults from accessing research facilities. To overcome this, the MDTRC operates a Mobile User Experience Lab (MUXL) that brings its research infrastructure directly to communities, removing any inclusion and accessibility barriers and enabling the collection of data on how older adults use technology in their daily lives. This approach ensures that the technology is designed to meet the actual needs and preferences of older adults, rather than relying on assumptions or stereotypes.

Mobile User Experience Lab (MUXL) bringing co-design research to communities.

The Path Forward

Inclusive technology design is not just about equity; it recognizes the valuable contributions older adults make to the digital world. To bridge digital divides and create technology that truly works for older adults, it is essential to involve them in the design process. By honouring and amplifying their voices, we can create a digital world that is not only accessible but also empowering for older adults. As researchers and practitioners, it is our responsibility to ensure that older adults are not left behind in the digital revolution.

Canada is well-positioned to lead in this space, with strong research infrastructure, supportive policies, and a commitment to innovation and inclusivity. By continuing to prioritize the needs of older adults and fostering collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and the community, we can develop technologies that enhance quality of life and set a global standard for digital inclusion. This is an exciting time to be at the forefront of this transformative movement, driving change and making a lasting impact on the lives of older adults.