A Senior Journal article talks about the fact that elderly Americans aren't using the cell phone as much as they should in cases of emergencies which lead to the launch of the Jitterbug phone, a phone with oversized buttons and user-centered features.

This also links to a recent BBC article on the future of gadgets for the elderly and how technology can be harnessed to cater to an elderly person's needs at home. "Often the needs of an older population are at odds with the design of new gadgets." It's as if ease-of-use in gadgets is disappearing off the market while it is essential for the elderly who do represent an important part of market for cell phone and other high-tech devices.

Is this another element that proves that the market is blind to elderly people's needs? Does this come from lack of education or unwillingness to implement radical changes in the products that companies are offering? In a world where it takes mountains to move the placement of a button it could be a bit of both, but there needs to be a radical change of mind if this important part of the market (an estimated 140 billion dollars) is going to have its needs met by technology.

Via Putting People First

CATEGORY: AGEING