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Who is a senior? Someone over 65? Boomers are between 44 and 62. Ronni Bennett at Time Goes By defines elders as anyone over age 50. Does being of a certain age mean that you require special accomodations in the form of a "Senior PC" or an extra simple cell phone or an adapted elderbrowser?
Microsoft Corporation just announced a project in the UK that will start development of what they are called a Senior PC. Jane Wakefield described it at BBC News in Microsoft developing 'senior PC'.
Microsoft UK is developing a "senior PC", which will have a simple interface and be aimed at older users.
The PC will come with software that allows users to manage prescriptions as well as simplified tools for everyday use, such as managing photos.
The machine, which it is developing in partnership with charities Age Concern and Help the Aged, is one of several projects the firm is working on.
Wakefield further explains,
In the United States, Microsoft already offers a number of so-called senior PCs, in conjunction with HP computers. It is not clear if the UK project is identical to the one in the US.
Other projects Microsoft is working on include an ad-funded PC and one that uses what it describes as a "social software licensing model".
In partnership with Milton Keynes council, this machine will come preloaded with a "digital literacy curriculum" - a step by step guide to how to get online, be safe and perform simple computer tasks.
Jacqui Cheng at ars technica found out more about the senior PC already available in the US and reported in Your grandma's computer: Microsoft SeniorPC en route to UK.
The SeniorPC, however, seems like the most solid idea of the bunch, as Microsoft already offers the product in the US. Through a partnership with HP, the machines offer a "simplified way" to do things like e-mail, word processing, travel planning, manage prescriptions, finances, and photos. The standard desktop model goes for $1,075 and comes with a 17" LCD, a printer/scanner/copier, Windows Vista Home Premium, and all of the aforementioned software. There is also an "autopilot" package for $1,185 that contains all of the above, but is specifically geared towards seniors with little-to-no computer experience. Both packages also come in laptop form, for seniors who are on the go.
A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed with Ars that the UK program would mirror the one already available in the US. As for whether it's a popular item, Microsoft's not entirely sure, but is optimistic. "Given that the SeniorPC is still fairly new, it has only been around for about six months now, we have received good response from customers interested in the SeniorPC," the company told us.
While I'm certainly in the demographic, I'm already quite capable of using my computer, thank you very much. If a simpler computer is a good thing for older people, it should be a good thing for ALL people. As we have learned from the accessibility and web standards advocates, making a site accessible to someone with a disability is equally beneficial to the people who don't have handicaps. Accessible sites are also loved by the search engines, who just want to have fun with clear content. It's a win-win for every type of user. It doesn't just benefit the disabled.
You may recall this BlogHer article about Internet use and various demographics Pew Report on Digital Footprints. Ronni, at Time Goes By, commented on the Pew Report in her article Elder Technology Use.
While 85 percent of 18-29 year olds have sent or received text messages, only 11 percent of people 65 and older have. And although 34 percent of the youngest group have recorded a video on a wireless device, only 3 percent of elders have. . . .
Still, it is heartening to know that 29 percent of online users 65 and older have logged on away from work or home using a wireless laptop.
While elders lag behind young folks in adoption of technology, the numbers are remarkable when you remember that people older than 65 did not grow up with technology as the 20-somethings have and often, too, they retired before computers, cell phones, etc. were ubiquitous at work. They’ve had to teach themselves, sometimes with help from their adult children or grandchildren, but often not.
Keep in mind that elders are not the only self-taught computer users, not the only ones who haven't received formal training in technology. To me, a simpler computer, with easy to
