Abstract

0 H sham & Edwards
Although the Web is accessed in a stereotypical manner and is not fully utilised
by the elderly, the increasing number of users, both in developed and developing
countries, indicate that the technology is being positively accepted. Encouragement
by family and social networks can generate interest among the elderly in using the
Internet. Although still many elderly people are not connected to the Internet due to
various reasons (e.g., personal reasons, accessibility, and affordability constraints),
many of them are aware of what the technology offers for the future. The limited
access may be due to certain key problems needing attention from all entities: Web
technologists, academic researchers, social workers, and policy makers working
together. With thorough planning and strategic implementation, issues pertaining
to availability, affordability, and accessibility of the technology can be solved.
Why. is.the.Internet.......................
Difficult for Elderly Users?
In order to use the Internet, older people must have knowledge and skill in computer
use, including the ability to use the keyboard and mouse. Yet, as well as these real
skills, people’s perceptions of computers and their competence can be crucial in
giving them the confidence to overcome any interaction problems. Czaja and Lee
(2003) have found that the attitude towards technology is largely influenced by
previous experiences with the technology. Collating a number of studies (Dickinson,
Eisma, & Gregor, 2003; Goodman, Syme, & Eisma, 2003; Hanson, 2001;
Hawthorn, 2003), it is possible to identify three different categories of barrier to
computer use by older people:
• Personal barriers, including levels of confidence and awareness, literacy, and
education
• Visual, cognitive, and physical impairments
• Technological barriers, comprising poor user interface design, poor content
layout, unreliable content and resources, inefficient information architectures,
poorly designed applications, and inaccessible functionality
In spite of all these barriers, through proper training and incentives to become ICT
literate, elderly users can develop skills to compensate for the age-related impairments
that have became an obstacle for their computer and Web interaction. In
comparison with younger adults, elderly users had more positive attitudes toward
the computer, though they expressed less computer confidence. A study indicated
that people who had experience with computers had a more positive attitude, and
greater computer confidence (Czaja & Lee, 2002). The concept of technology may
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