Addressing Senior Needs in the Accessibility of Internet Health-Related Information

Abstract

Few limitations to the availability of information on the Internet exist. Search engines are capable of filling knowledge gaps for those unfamiliar with more technical search strategies. However, significant limitations to usability of the Internet are present. This is especially true for older adults. Seniors comprise the largest segment of healthcare and wellness Internet-based information seekers. Advancing age is not a barrier to computer usage to access the Internet. However, vision changes can make reading a computer screen difficult for older adults. Declining visual acuity necessitates the need for webmasters to consider design components suitable for seniors and those with poor visual and motor abilities. Good web site design should increase accessibility and usability of information. Type fonts, color schemes, clarity of content, and information presentation would address many of the needs of elders and the visually impaired. Attention to these populations of Internet users would address a specific set of needs and increase traffic or “hits” to health-related web sites. Improving the accessibility and usability of healthcare and wellness information will lead to a more informed patient base participating as equal partners in their health care.

Key Words:

• Web site design
• visual acuity
• Internet health information