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How We Can Make the Digital World More Accessible for Older People
- Equal Lives
- Sep 19
- 5 min read
Many older people are still shut out of the online world, not just by limited skills, but also by physical barriers, mental barriers, and a lack of support. In the UK, around one in three people aged 75+ (about 2 million) do not use or rarely use the internet, which means that vital services can be harder for them to reach, and that social connections can be harder for them to maintain.
The good news? With built-in accessibility features, clearer designs, and support from family, friends and community programmes, older generations can stay connected and enjoy the advantages of the digital world.
Benefits of Having Access to Technology
Attending Appointments
From doctors’ surgeries to hair salons, businesses and facilities often offer the option to book appointments for their services online or by phone. With basic digital access, older people can book, change, or cancel appointments online. This frees them from having to face the potential of being left on hold for an extended period when calling a business or other service.
Moreover, some appointments can be conducted online by video call rather than in-person, such as doctors’ appointments and therapy sessions. If an older person can make sense of the online world and, by extension, online appointments, it can save them from having to organise transportation to and from in-person appointments, allowing them more time for other tasks and hobbies.
You can help an older person set up accounts and apps such as, for example, the NHS App, which allows access to appointment bookings, prescriptions, and medical records, all in one place.
Staying Connected
As elderly people age, they can become isolated for several reasons, including the loss of family and friends over time, living alone, and retirement. Loneliness can hugely impact a person’s mental and physical health, so, preventing it is key.
Video calls and texts are excellent ways to stay in touch with an older person, especially if they live far away or are often busy. Some families even organise monthly virtual pub quizzes, using apps like Zoom.
Buying Online
Many older adults face challenges going shopping, whether this be due to disability, limited transport, or simply bad weather.
That’s where online shopping can be of real value. With just a few clicks, an older person can have:
● Access to food shops, clothing, and household items
● Subscription services for deliveries (e.g. repeat prescriptions)
● Compare prices and read reviews before buying
Tip: Help an older person create an account with a trusted shop (like their usual supermarket), and show them how to recognise secure websites (look for “https” which can be found by clicking on the URL twice, and look for a padlock icon next to the URL which should say “connection is secure”).
Entertainment
Digital involvement isn’t just for practical tasks; it can also be genuinely enjoyable. Whether it’s playing an online game of Sudoku or reading an eBook, the digital world can provide hundreds of hours of entertainment.
There are plenty of entertainment apps available on smart devices like iPads and iPhones, while browser-based games are easily accessible on laptops with no need for downloads. Many classic board and card games, once only playable in person, are now available online, allowing users to play with friends or strangers from anywhere in the world. Games like Monopoly, Uno, Chess, and Scrabble can now be enjoyed at any time, without needing a physical set or an opponent in the same room.
Retirement often brings more free time, and the internet offers a world of entertainment and mental stimulation. The online world can be a place for older people to relax, socialise, and have fun.
Tip: Create a folder of favourite games or apps on their device so they can access them easily, without having to search.
Making the Digital World More Accessible
Accessibility Features
Many older people aren’t aware that smartphones, tablets, and computers come with built-in settings that make them far easier to use, especially for those with visual, hearing, or motor challenges.
Larger Features
If you know that an older person uses landline phones a lot, then choosing one with large buttons and a loudspeaker can make phone calls easier. For older people with vision impairments who use a smartphone or tablet, features like larger fonts and screen magnification can make them simpler to use. High contrast mode can make text more readable against background colours, reducing eye strain.
By looking at the settings on their phone, you can explore different options together and choose the ones that work best for them.
Voice and Speech Controls
Most smartphones allow you to use voice control to send texts and make phone calls. Again, look in their settings to find features like speech-to-text and captions so you can personalise their phone to match their needs.
Smart devices like Alexa and Apple HomePod are controlled by voice, and you can ask them questions about almost every topic possible. They also have a shopping list feature, where you can add items over time, which is helpful for those who struggle to write due to limited mobility in their hands or fingers. There are lots of helpful commands for people who have impairments or disabilities, such as setting medication reminders, using timers, or controlling music and lights.
Support
With a little bit of help, elderly people can become more confident in using technology. Using tech may feel ordinary to you, but it’s important to understand that learning new technology can feel unfamiliar; patience is important.
When offering support, make sure to:
● Avoid technical jargon
● Explain one step at a time
● Let them try things for themselves
● Encourage them to take notes that they can then later refer to
Guidance From Loved Ones
Giving an older person a tutorial can help them understand how to use their devices with ease. Be patient, speak slowly, repeat anything if necessary, and listen carefully to any questions they might have. In recent years, more online training opportunities have become available for elderly people to learn more about how to use technology and navigate the digital world.
Helpful Videos About Online Safety
Technology can be incredibly useful, but it also comes with safety risks, such as scams, which unfortunately tend to target older people, so building awareness of these risks is essential. There are tons of helpful resources about this online if you’re unsure where to start.
A few key fundamentals of internet safety:
● Recognise phishing emails and scam texts
● Use strong, unique passwords
● Spot fake websites or pop-ups
● Never share personal information unless 100% certain of safety
As we become more aware of scams, they become more intelligent. Some scammers even go as far as posing as family members. Ensure that you continuously check in with the older people in your life to help prevent them from being scammed.
Wrapping up
Modern technology can feel overwhelming, especially for older generations who didn’t grow up with it. As the world evolves to be more digital, it’s important to keep them in the loop. With the right guidance, tools, support, and a bit of encouragement, older people can use technology to make their lives easier, keeping in contact with those closest to them, attending appointments online, enjoying digital entertainment, and much more.
Written by Holly Dodd
Edited by Jordan Hunnisett
