Using assistive technologies to improve lives of older adults and people with disabilities

In recent times, the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web has significantly impacted our lives and daily activities. From 2000-2011, the use of the Internet has increased to 151.7% within North America. As infrastructures in all parts of the continent continue to improve and advance the technological capabilities of the Internet and the World Wide Web, more individuals are its communications potential. Unfortunately, many individuals do not realize that aging or a disability can change how they interact with these two technologies. In the technological society of the United States, there is a gap between young people and older individuals, especially when it comes to using the Internet and the World Wide Web. Older individuals are less inclined to use the Internet or the World Wide Web; and young people generally stereotype older individuals as lonely, conservative, and closed-minded to technology. However, younger individuals do not understand the effects of aging, especially when using mobile or computer technologies. One aspect of this research paper will explore, what types of educational tools exist to help younger people understands the effects of aging? For older individuals, the experience of loneliness can lead to mental health conditions including depression. In addition, older adults who do not stimulate their cognitive memories can lead to Alzheimer's Syndrome and other memory loss conditions. Surprisingly, there is an increase of older adults using the Internet for communications. However, there are still some challenges older adults face with technology. Older individuals may have a fixed income or rely on Social Security or Disability support; this creates problems as computers can be expensive to purchase. In addition, older adults may have difficulties with using the computer, as far as using the hardware or software components. Software obstacles include: small text size, complex menus options, and high level of stimulation from animated software components. This can also include the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web. This research will study the interactions between older adults and their use of mainstream technologies. Although older individuals and people with disabilities have increased their use of the Internet they share common difficulties and complications. In addition, their disabilities often expand the aging complications that older adults experience. For people with disabilities, their main struggle is integration within today's society, especially using the computer technologies or Internet. This research will also explore what assistive technology software is available to older individuals and people with disabilities, the emerging field of open source assistive technology, and how assistive technology improves the quality of life of these individuals.