Surveys of smartphone use among older adults show that seemingly simple smartphone use can become an insurmountable chasm. On January 28, 2024, the members of the "Smart Life, Enjoy Old Age" practice team held an online meeting under the guidance of teacher Liu Zhaoyu.
In this survey, 400 questionnaires were sent out, and 392 valid questionnaires were returned, mainly for the elderly over 60 years old in the community where the practice team members lived, and the questionnaire survey involved the habits, difficulties and needs of the elderly in terms of smartphone use. The practice team members realized that the elderly are not unable to adapt to the development of technology, but need appropriate guidance and help.
The results of the survey showed that there were 574% of older adults use smartphones. The survey found that the main difficulties of the elderly in using smartphones include unfamiliarity with the operating interface, poor eyesight or reading difficulties, memory loss, easy to forget operating steps, and safety concerns. The main functions of the elderly to use smart phones are, SMS, social, news reading, WeChat, social, leisure and entertainment, etc., mobile phone photography and code scanning payment are also common convenient functions for the elderly to use smart phones.
We should provide smartphone products and services that are more suitable for the characteristics and needs of the elderly. The specific suggestions are as follows: simplify the design of the mobile phone interface, reduce the operation steps, and reduce the difficulty of use. For example, a one-button operation function is provided to facilitate the elderly to quickly complete common tasks. On the premise of ensuring clarity, appropriately increase the font size and adjust the font color contrast to facilitate the elderly to read. At the same time, voice adjustment options are provided to meet the needs of seniors with different hearing needs. Organize training courses and instruction manuals on the use of smartphones for the elderly to help them better grasp the functions and skills of mobile phones. In addition, a mobile phone consultation service for the elderly can be set up to answer their questions at any time. According to the needs and characteristics of the elderly, develop easy-to-use mobile applications, such as health management, shopping, etc. These apps should have a clean interface, large fonts, and easy-to-read text. Encourage all sectors of society to carry out activities to care for the elderly, such as mobile phone operation teaching, health lectures, etc. Through these activities, the scientific and technological literacy and health awareness of the elderly will be improved, and they will be better integrated into digital life.
The successful convening of this meeting made the practice team members realize the need for more patience and care to provide appropriate support and guidance for the elderly. In the future, we hope to see more social forces pay attention to the digital life needs of the elderly and jointly promote the integration of technology and elderly life. Only in this way can we truly achieve the goal of technology benefiting everyone.
Written by: Liang Canyu.
Smart life, enjoy old age" practice team.
Reviewed instructor: Liu Zhaoyu