Effects of Age and Working Memory on Web-Based Computer Training

Given the use of computers in the workplace and the number of older workers that will be in the workplace, the use of computers by older workers is a significant issue that should be addressed by employers and their organizations (Czaja, 1996). Skills acquisition literature indicates that older people have more difficulty than younger people in acquiring new skills and they achieve lower levels of performance (Charness and Bosman, 1990). Computer tasks involve cognitive skills that may be problematic for older adults and place a high demand on working memory (Hockey et al., 1989). Decrements in working memory could place older adults at a disadvantage when performing computer-interactive tasks. Users must learn new concepts and apply meaning to familiar concepts. This research examines current older-adult centered Web design guidelines, focusing on older adults aged 65 years and older. Older-adult center Web design guidelines are guidelines developed to accommodate cognitive changes associated with aging. Because of limited empirical studies testing the usability of Web-based trainings using older-adult centered guidelines, this research adds to the existing documentation on Web-based training for older adults