Accessible Web Design for Older Adults: Challenges and Solutions

Abstract

The growing number of older adults online has spurred interest in improving web accessibility for this demographic. To evaluate the current state of this field, we conducted a systematic review of studies published between 2014 and 2023. Our research aimed to identify the challenges older adults face online and effective solutions for accessible web design. From 4,052 articles, we identified 25 types of accessibility issues, 104 improvements to enhance website accessibility, 24 technological resources to design these accessibility enhancements, and 20 evaluation methods. Despite notable progress enhancing web accessibility for older people, our findings underscore the need for ongoing improvements for a truly inclusive web, considering the differences within this heterogeneous group and understanding old age not as a problem but as an opportunity.