Technology for the older Australian
Lynda Hutchinson, Angela Guidera
NovitaTech
Adelaide, SA
1. Abstract
The average Australian is getting older. Approximately 2.7 million Australian residents were
aged 65 years or older in June 2006 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2007). This
represents 13 percent of the population. The proportion of the total population over 65 years
will grow even more from 2011 as “baby boomers” reach this age.
The deterioration in vision and physical abilities associated with age often leads to difficulty
with tasks such as using the telephone, using a computer or negotiating the buttons on a
remote control. This may impact on older people’s safety, independence, leisure options
and ability to keep in touch with relatives, at a stage of their lives when they have more time
on their hands than ever. Quality of life may be greatly enhanced by having access to
technology which accommodates older people’s limitations.
Older people often have difficulty with tasks such as using the telephone, a computer or
remote controls, due to deterioration in vision and physical abilities. This may impact on
safety, independence, leisure options and relationships. This paper highlights examples of
technology which may enhance older people’s quality of life.
Key words
Ageing, older population, environmental control, computer access, independence
2. Introduction
The average Australian is getting older. Approximately 2.7 million Australian residents were
aged 65 years or older in June 2006 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2007). This
represents 13 percent of the population. The proportion of the total population over 65 years
will grow even more from 2011 as “baby boomers” reach this age. Increasing life
expectancy means that the average Australian is likely to have plenty of time for leisure and
socialisation after retirement.
3. Body of paper
The deterioration in vision and physical abilities associated with age often leads to difficulty
with tasks such as using the telephone, using a computer or negotiating the buttons on a
remote control. This may impact on older people’s safety, independence, leisure options
and ability to keep in touch with relatives, at a stage of their lives when they have more time
on their hands than ever. Quality of life may be greatly enhanced by having access to
technology which accommodates the difficulties experienced by older people.
Older Australians are starting to become more receptive to technology, due to greater
exposure to computers, ATM machines, mobile phones other technology in everyday life.
This population can be assisted by a number of features, including simplicity, consistency,
easy access and large, clear displays.
The telephone has become an essential part of everyday life in Australia. Increasingly
family members are living further apart from each other than ever before. This means there
is a greater reliance on the telephone and email in order for older people to maintain
contact with their relatives. This population may have difficulty seeing the numbers or
pressing the small buttons on a standard telephone. They may have more success with a
telephone that has large buttons that are easy to see and easy to press.
Older people may have problems negotiating a regular mouse or keyboard. They may be
able to manage a keyboard with enlarged keys or an easy-to-use mouse alternative such as
a trackball. This enables them to use the internet to pursue hobbies or for computer-based
phone communication (eg. using Skype). The internet is also a useful tool to enable older
people from different cultural backgrounds to keep in touch with their culture.
Older people often have difficulty using remote controls to operate televisions and other
appliances. A simplified remote control with large, clear buttons may be more suitable.
Personal alarms and remote call bells can assist with attracting attention in case of
emergency or when help is needed.
Independence in the home may be promoted by technology which assists memory and
sequencing of tasks. An electronic organiser or mobile phone may be used to set up
reminders. Some software enables a recorded prompt to be spoken and a picture displayed
at the designated time, to assist with remembering appointments and routines. This can
help with tasks such as remembering when to take medication. Other technology can assist
the user to remember the steps involved in completing a task. For example, a series of
pictures/photos and recorded messages can assist an individual to prepare a meal or make
a cup of coffee.
Face-to-face communication can be difficult for older people who have difficulty achieving or
maintaining adequate volume, due to conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease or Motor
Neuron Disease. This can lead to frustration and social isolation. The problem may be
exacerbated if any of the individual’s communication partners has a hearing impairment.
Portable voice amplifiers can help alleviate these difficulties.
4. Conclusion
Older people often have difficulty with tasks such as using the telephone, a computer or
remote controls, due to deterioration in vision and physical abilities. This may impact on
safety, independence, leisure options and relationships. Assistive technology has the
potential to enhance the quality of life of the older Australian.
6. Correspondence
Lynda Hutchinson BApSc (OT)
Assistive Technology Consultant
NovitaTech
PO Box 2438
Regency Park
SA 5942
T: +61 8 8243 8288
lynda.hutchinson@novita.org.au
7. References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2007. Australia’s welfare 2007. Cat no. AUS 93.
Canberra: AIHW
8. Summary
Older people often have difficulty with tasks such as using the telephone, a computer or
remote controls, due to deterioration in vision and physical abilities. This may impact on
safety, independence, leisure options and relationships. This presentation will highlight
examples of technology which may enhance older people’s quality of life.