Modern Windows-based computers offer an assortment of useful features, tools, and applications. OneLaunch seeks to make your computer easier to use by offering a central hub for web use, information access, searching, and the launching of installed applications. This more streamlined approach can make daily computer use easier for seniors and the elderly. Computers are a part of modern life and a key part of many common activities.
In addition, computers allow access to a wealth of information and media that keep you both informed and entertained. Seniors may feel that computers are too hard to use or only for younger people, but that is not the case. In addition to using tools such as OneLaunch, there are other adjustments and changes that can be made to make a computer more suitable for senior use.
Ways To Make Computers Easier To Use For Seniors
- Adjusting Text Size: one of the simplest ways to make computers more user-friendly is making the text on-screen easier to read. While not all seniors have vision ailments an increase in text size can prove beneficial and reduce eye strain. Having the right equipment also helps as many monitors have glare reduction features and can take advantage of increased text size and application zoom features.
- Adjusting Color and Contrast: as a person grows older, the ability to accurately view certain colors and color pairings can diminish. Adjusting text, background colors, and general contrast can make a computer’s display easier to read. Adjusting colors for readability can make using a computer far easier for older users or users with specific vision issues.
- Invest in a Readable Keyboard: keyboards come in a variety of designs, layouts, and colors. Buying a keyboard with large print and easy-to-read colors can make a computer easier to interact with. Good choices can include white text on a black background and larger prints, making letters and numbers easier to see if your vision quality has reduced.
- Have Proper Lighting: while this may seem like a simple solution, proper lighting can play an important part in both seeing the keyboard and also viewing the screen. Natural lighting is advisable but if not an option desktop lamps can provide a focused light source for viewing purposes.
- Mouse Options: like keyboards, computer mice come in a variety of different shapes and designs. Some older computer users don’t care for traditional computer mice or find them hard to use. Trackball-style mouses can offer better fine controls and prevent accidental clicking for certain users. However, there are a variety of computer mice designed for different user needs so don’t be afraid to try out some options.
Final Thoughts
As the above list shows growing older doesn’t mean you can’t use computers. Many seniors have used computers before and are familiar with them in both a personal and professional sense. It’s important to remember computers have been around for several decades and reach across generations. As a user ages, computer updates to accommodate this can allow them to keep using this technology as before and learn new skills.