When technology makes it easier to handle everyday matters, engage in recreation, obtain information and use services, those of advanced years are also interested. In the future most senior citizens will be availing themselves expertly of the opportunities offered by a computer.

The Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) has developed with its co-partners a prototype in a network service for the aged that operates on the Internet and digital TV. The user-friendly service package supports users over 60 years of age in their daily business and in communication with relatives or friends.

"Our studies clearly showed that the aged are interested in the opportunities brought by the new technology, especially if they support independent action, decision-making and living in their own home, and they increase opportunities for interaction and the use of services," says Tuula Petäkoski-Hult, a senior researcher at VTT.

Growing demand

The user interface developed by VTT has taken particular account of the needs and operability of ageing users. Petäkoski-Hult says that special attention must be paid to interaction between man and machine and to the challenges of usability associated with it.

"The planning of user interfaces and service contents must take account of people's individual, physical, psychic and social operability. A way to use a computer and the services available via it can be found for almost everybody."

There are hardly any network services designed especially for the aged at the moment in the world. "When I presented the aims of our projects at a gerontology conference in Miami a couple of years ago, nothing equivalent came up at that time."

Although the demand has not been charted, it can be found, according to feedback. "We believe that demand will increase, because people want to grow old in their own living and operating environment for as long as possible. The technology can support this possibility and bring new content and options to life and hobbies. Demand will increase here and elsewhere," Petäkoski-Hult predicts.

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An increasing number of old people are finding pleasure in a computer. Almost everyone can find their own way of using a computer and the services available through it.
Photo: Karoliina Hult