Some common difficulties using a computer

Here are some frequently asked questions about perceived difficulties in using a computer. Some of the issues relate to the hardware - the keyboard, the mouse or the screen. Other issues relate to finding your way around the World Wide Web and email.

Jakob Neilson's alertbox: Usability for Senior Citizens is a very good overview about the website needs of older people.

How do people use a computer if they say...

I can't read the text or see the pictures.

I have painful joints, shaking hands or stiff fingers.

I keep forgetting things.

I can't see the screen

If the member or enquirer has difficulty reading the screen, there is software which can magnify the font many times, or read the text out loud. See Vision for more information about magnifying software or screen readers.

I have difficulty using a mouse.

Don't worry, there are all sorts of alternatives to using a mouse to click the menu or navigate a webpage. These include using shortcut keys, using accessibility features on Microsoft and other products, using a track ball or pointer, amongst other assistive technology. You can also use speech-to-text software. See Mobility for more information about alternatives.

I keep forgetting things

Apart from writing down instructions (in one-to-one or group training sessions), there is some software designed to provide cueing and planning assistance to people with memory, attention and cognitive disorders. An example is Peat.

Club leaders and trainers should check out the Memory loss or confusion page for tips on communicating with people with cognitive disorders such as memory loss and confusion.