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Helping Seniors Cruise the Internet
(ARA) - The number of senior citizens using the Internet more than doubled between 2000 and 2004. With millions of techno-savvy Baby Boomers on the cusp of seniorship, that number promises to explode in the next decade, researchers say.
Is it any wonder, then, that hardware and software manufacturers are already marketing products designed to ease seniors' route onto the Information Superhighway?
"We know that vision and dexterity are two key issues for aging Internet users," says Jim Gustafson, CEO of Chester Creek Technologies, a company that markets a variety of assistive hardware and software products. "Simply increasing the text size on a computer monitor can't solve all vision issues. The user needs to be able to clearly see the keys to effectively type. Telephone manufacturers have offered large-key phones for years. The computer industry is now following suit."
Chester Creek's solution is the Vision Board, www.chestercreektech.com, a board with oversized keys and high-contrast, easy to see black on white lettering. The design eases eye strain and improves finger contact. The keyboard is compatible with both PCs and Macs. Those who prefer standard size keys may opt for the Keys-U-See board, which has large print lettering."
Manipulating a standard mouse can also be an issue for older Web-users who may suffer from arthritis or other ills that decrease dexterity, Gustafson says. Manufacturers are producing a variety of computer mice for use by those with decreased dexterity, including the Evoluent VerticalMouse and the Libra 90 Trackball, both available from Chester Creek Technologies. These specialized mice address dexterity issues by decreasing the range of hand-motion needed to manipulate them, and by placing the hand in a more natural, relaxed position.
Software manufacturers are preparing to cater to the senior market as well, with products that improve visibility and simplify the process of getting on line. ZoomText 9.0 Magnifier/Reader helps users see better by magnifying the screen, Gustafson says. The flexible program allows users to magnify all or part of the screen up to 36 times normal size, change screen colors to minimize glare, and even increase the size or change the color of the mouse pointer and text cursor to make them easier to see.
"Baby Boomers begin turning 60 this year," says Gustafson. "Research shows us that two-thirds of adults between the ages of 50 and 64 are using the Internet. The coming generation of seniors has already made the Internet an integral part of their lives. Thanks to new senior-friendly technologies, they can be sure they'll be cruising the Information Superhighway well into their golden years!"
For more information on senior friendly products, visit www.chestercreektech.com.
Copyright © 2006, ARA Content
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