Digital Tech for Inclusive Aging: Usability, Design and Policy

As we age, many of an individual's abilities (e.g. cognition, perception, mobility) begin to change in ways which can result in functional limitations. Although capabilities vary across the population, change also varies within the lifespan of individuals. An array of technologically based supports (e.g. traditional eyeglasses, a walker, hearing aids) have been developed to mitigate the challenges that result from such age-related changes, and ideally, enhance quality of life. Administrators in a key setting, assisted living centers and nursing homes, are constantly presented with options to adopt new technologies for use by residents and staff that could cost-effectively increase independence. However, lack of awareness, as well as public policies to encourage technology awareness and training not only affects older individuals directly, but, extends to the resources available to senior living facilities. When the end user is not included in the design and development process, suboptimal outcomes are inevitable due to a disconnect between the product, the user, and the context of use. We present an inclusive development /adoption approach based in four core areas: the engagement of stakeholders, improved design standards, integrated policy streams, and updated privacy policies.

Denker, A.H. and Baker, P.M.A. (2020). Digital Tech for Inclusive Aging: Usability, Design and Policy. Journal on Technology and Persons with Disabilities, Volume 7, 2020, PP. 255-264.

• Center for Advanced Communications Policy