Inclusive Design for Elderly Users

Elderly individuals often have unique needs when it comes to product design. These users may have a diverse range of needs, including vision impairment, hearing loss, motor skill challenges, hearing loss, and cognitive changes. These have been discussed elsewhere on this website, however there are a few other issues should be be considered.

• Elderly users often experience several mild impairments simultaneously – vision decline + hearing loss + reduced dexterity + minor cognitive changes. The cumulative effect of multiple small challenges can make products unusable when combined.
• Some elderly users have hesitancy around new technology and may struggle with digital literacy that younger users take for granted.
• Dignity and independence concerns. Elderly users often have a strong desire to maintain autonomy and avoid products that make them feel “babied” or dependent. This can create tension between helpful features and perceived loss of independence.
• Unlike designing for users with stable conditions, elderly users’ abilities may be declining. Products might need to adjust or adapt to keep pace with declining abilities and help users even as their capabilities change.
• Elderly users often no longer work and must survive on a low income. Products must be affordable.

Opportunities for Product Modification

• Garden tools and watering systems need to accommodate declining strength while maintaining the independence and dignity of continued gardening. Could be redesigned with ergonomic improvements that don’t look as though they are providing supportive assistance.
• Walking aids (canes, walking sticks) are often rejected because they signal dependence. Students could redesign as attractive, multifunctional items that provide stability without appearing medical.