The European Commission presents figures that reflect structural changes in our society: since 2021, one in four people works remotely; the number of households has increased while their average size decreases; and, looking ahead to 2050, it is projected that 30% of the European population will be over 65, compared to the current 20%.
The Challenges of an Aging Population in Europe
The progressive aging of the European population poses significant challenges for governments, companies, and digital service providers, especially regarding the technological inclusion of older adults.
- Generational Digital Divide: Although digital literacy has advanced in the last decade, notable differences persist in technology use and confidence between generations. This is particularly marked in those over 75, who often face less familiarity with digital devices and virtual environments.
- Barriers to Essential Services: The growing digitalization of public services (such as pensions, healthcare, social care, or administrative procedures) can leave older people behind if digital accessibility and the availability of alternative non-digital channels are not guaranteed.
- Inclusive Design as a Necessity, Not an Option: The European Union has made it clear that digital transformation must be inclusive and respectful of fundamental rights. This implies developing technological solutions that are accessible from their conception, considering functional diversity and the specific needs of groups like the elderly.
- Age-Related Functional Limitations: The progressive decline in vision, hearing, memory, or fine motor skills can hinder interaction with non-accessible digital interfaces. Elements such as small text, low touch sensitivity, non-intuitive navigation, or the absence of audiovisual support aggravate these barriers.
- Risk of Social Isolation: When digital services are not adapted, many older adults are excluded from essential activities and connected social life, contributing to their isolation, especially in rural areas or among those with reduced mobility.
How Does Accessibility Affect the Elderly?
Web accessibility is fundamental for older people to interact with the digital environment safely, efficiently, and autonomously. Common obstacles include:
- Low Contrast or Small Text: Difficulty reading for people with limited vision.
- Complex Interfaces: Excessive information can cause confusion for those with cognitive or memory difficulties.
- Lack of Subtitles or Transcripts: A barrier for people with hearing loss.
- Navigation Requiring Precision: A problem for people with tremors or motor limitations.
An accessible website is one that adapts to these needs, allowing anyone, regardless of age or condition, to use it with ease.
Examples of Inclusive Technology for Older Adults
Fortunately, multiple technologies exist that are designed to make digital life easier for the elderly. Some examples include:
- Screen Readers and Voice Assistants: Tools like VoiceOver (Apple), TalkBack (Android), or Alexa allow access to information without the need to read or interact visually.
- Accessibility Settings: Operating systems that allow increasing text size, activating automatic subtitles, or simplifying navigation.
- Simplified Apps: Interfaces designed specifically for seniors for messaging, video calls, or medication management.
- Adapted Hardware: Keyboards and devices with large buttons for those with motor or visual difficulties.
These technologies not only help overcome barriers but also promote independence and active participation in society.
How to Adapt Digital Services to the Older Population
Public and private organizations can take concrete steps:
- Follow Universal Design Principles: Solutions that work for everyone from the start.
- Comply with International Standards: Specifically the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
- Simplify User Interfaces: Clear menus, intuitive navigation, and simple language.
- Allow Customization: Options to adjust text size, color contrast, or visual/audio aids.
- Test with Older Adults: Involving this group in usability testing to detect real barriers.
Organizations must address these changes, both as an ethical commitment and as an essential step to increase their reach. The problem is that companies are often unaware of these needs or lack the subject-matter experts to ensure that changes are implemented correctly while respecting corporate identity and objectives.
In such cases, one of the most agile ways to adapt to regulations like the European Accessibility Act is to rely on experts in the field. At Digital55, we have a specialized team that approaches accessibility from a QA perspective. Through our audits, we are able to detect all necessary action points and even automate reviews to ensure long-term compliance.
