|
 Research
has shed light on the computer frustrations that
plague older adults
A number
of evolving social changes highlight the importance of making
computer technology accessible and usable for older adults.
For
instance, older adults are using email increasingly to keep up their
social contact with others and are using the Internet to look up
health information.
An
innovative research study was conducted at the University of Alberta
which analyzed the performance outcomes of older adults when being
tested on the computer and Internet.
What
researchers found can be applied as a ‘best practice’ when teaching
older adults how to use computer technology. Research found that
older adults feel less confident about their computer knowledge than
younger adults. Older adults are also concerned about how memory
issues may impact their performance.
"This lack
of confidence is a major factor in older adults’ ability to become
proficient with computer technology, which unfortunately results in
less computer use," said Dr. Patricia Boechler from the University
of Alberta.
The study also highlights the obstacles older adults
experience such as a significant decrease in sensory
keenness, particularly with vision and hearing, as
well as a decrease in motor skills due to health
problems, such as arthritis and tremors.
Dr.
Boechler notes, "Often a large challenge for older adults when using
the computer is navigating the mouse and keyboard, which is commonly
due to a health problem like arthritis."
Boechler,
Foth, and Watchorn studied approximately 40 older adults by having
them complete computer exercises and measured their results to
undergraduates who previously completed the exercises. The study
gives a list of recommendations to help even the playing field for
older adults such as increasing font sizes to accommodate vision
problems, ensuring that verbal instructions are delivered at an
appropriate volume with minimal noise distractions and giving
demonstrations of the tasks ahead of time to reduce anxiety. |
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