Designing Interpersonal Communication Software for the Abilities of Elderly Users

Feelings of loneliness and social isolation can occur in many older adults - and impairments that may occur in old age, such as reduced mobility, deteriorating sight, and deteriorating hearing, can prevent elderly adults from visiting their friends and family. Interpersonal communication software -such as Facebook Messenger and Skype - can be very useful in keeping bonds with loved ones strong over long distances. However, sometimes these applications can be confusing and difficult for elderly people to use. A design created with considerations for the variety of abilities and older user may have could prompt more elderly users to use interpersonal communication software, and assist in the fight to reduce loneliness and social isolation in older adults. In this paper, we highlight a design for interpersonal communication software for elderly adults to use. Properly designed chat software would allow elderly users to quickly communicate with their friends via an interface designed with the different abilities of elderly users in mind.