Ageless computing
Ageless computing refers to a section of user experience design focused around designing computer software for the elderly. This type of software addresses age specific challenges, and allows for easier interaction with computers as we age. Overview. Many existing computing services are not designed with the needs of elderly users in mind. The way information is often organized and presented (such as user experience design) and the complexity of many computer-based operations create difficulties for many elderly people. This not only makes it inconvenient for the elderly to make use of information and services but also contributes  to isolation from other members of society. As the average life expectancy increases in most countries across the globe, a greater percentage of the world's population is falling above the age of 65. This group commands major purchasing power, and possesses unique knowledge, experience, skills, and wisdom. As such, computing design paradigms must be revised to accommodate the special needs and preferences of the elderly population for the well-being of both seniors and society in general. Definition. Ageless computing is defined as any service-oriented computing design that can achieve at least one of the following objectives: Ageless  computing should make the elderly feel ageless when using computing technologies, make their loved ones feel the elderly are ageless as part of daily life and make an aging society feel ageless by revealing the hidden potential of the elderly population. Challenges. Researchers from University of British Columbia and Nanyang Technological University summarized the major challenges in the field of ageless computing as follows. Implications for UI/UX Design. UI/UX designers can alienate senior citizens from the online experience if they do not consider their needs. In the United States in 2016, 65% of senior citizens were online, and  40% of seniors use smartphones. Good UI design for senior citizens mostly follows general UI principles, but some of these are especially magnified due to the unique physical and mental capabilities of older adults. A common symptom experienced as we age is a loss in fine motor function control. This means that using mice and touchpads can be substantially more difficult to do accurately among the elderly. In order to combat this, UI/UX designers should remember to make clickable elements large and spaced far enough apart to prevent accidental clicks. Generally, as vision fails due to age, senior citizens  will choose to have text display larger than younger users. If possible, incorporating larger text sizes and greater contrast into the design can substantially reduce frustration felt by older users while navigating the software. Navigation should be prominent and easy to recognize and remember. Sometimes, even seemingly basic navigation patterns such as the scroll bar can be lost on the elderly. Do not assume any innate knowledge from the user. Design your navigation to be consistent and memorable to avoid confusion when navigating your site. In contrast to younger users, senior citizens are more likely to use tablets than smartphones . Applications designed for multiple screen sizes should support tablet use when following ageless computing principles. Design Elements for Ageless Computing. UI/UX designers can help contribute to ageless computing through simple design that is intuitive for users of all ages. The following design elements can help to include the elderly: Opportunities. Although many people will use ageless computing principles in general software, it can also be used for very specialized purposes. One opportunity would be in health care technology, creating software to make it easier for the elderly to manage medications, pace makers, insulin pumps, and more. Video game rehabilitation  integrates rehabilitation practices into popular gaming platforms for stroke recovery, neurological conditions, etc. Studies have shown that these technologies can also aid the elderly in areas such as balance, cognition, social interaction, entertainment, and more.