Communication Tip: Is Your Website Senior-Friendly?

Joyce Remy

From Baby Boomers to centenarians, more and more seniors are turning to the Internet for information. But the physical and mental changes of aging may make web browsing more difficult. So if your website's user audience includes older adults, it's important that your site is designed taking in mind the communication needs of people over 65.

Much research has been done on computer accessibility for seniors, examining the impact of challenges such as visual and hearing impairment, decreased manual dexterity, and memory problems. In addition, though more and more seniors are computer savvy these days, many still have limited experience in using the Internet. Seniors are also more likely to be using older computers and slower-speed connection.

To best target senior users, it's especially important that your web team is knowledgeable about research that has been done on the communication needs of seniors. Don't take for granted that web designers have been trained in accessibility issues! For example, many of the "bells and whistles" that web developers love can actually hinder the ability of older adults to navigate and comprehend your site. Elaborate fly-out menus, which require precise, coordinated mouse clicks, can be a nightmare for people with arthritis or tremor. Fashionable patterned backgrounds make text unreadable for older eyes. And large video downloads often bring older model computers to a grinding halt.

Aaron Howard, IlluminAge's Senior Web Designer, suggests asking five questions as you evaluate the effectiveness of your website as a tool for reaching older adults:

1. Are your site's organization and navigation clear? Can users readily tell what's on the site by looking at the homepage? Once they've gone to a different page, can they figure out how to get back? Good "wayfinding" helps: use consistent layout and symbols throughout the site, locating top-level navigation buttons in the same place on each page.
   
   
2. Is the type readable? Use a sans serif font, no smaller than 10-point. Dark type on a white background is easiest to see. Double space and left justify all body text. If possible, allow the option of changing type size, which allows each user to customize the font to the size that's most comfortable to read.
   
   
3. Are links and other navigation signals clear? Text with links should be underlined and in a contrasting, consistent color. Visited links should then change to yet a third color. Never underline non-linked text.
   
   
4. Are interface elements suitable for older users? Links and buttons should provide a forgivingly large target for users whose level of manual dexterity doesn't allow them to zero in on tight, precise spots.
   
   
5. Is text designed with senior readers in mind? Shorter paragraphs, few complex sentences and plenty of subheadings and other visual cutes help readers process the information. In web writing, less really is more.
   

In over 13 years of specializing in creating websites for senior communities and organizations, IlluminAge web designers have set their sights on the perfect balance between maximum senior-friendliness and a look and functionality that appeals to all users. Aaron Howard says, "The qualities that make a website most usable for older adults can actually be the same elements that make the site attractive, easy to navigate and useful for everyone." He adds, "Our goal is to incorporate senior-friendly design features into an appealing, friendly—yet sophisticated—look that perfectly reflects the respect our clients have for the older adults and families they serve."