Accessible Digital Tools for Older People

Chris Kibbey

A recent UN Agency for Digital Technologies (ITU) insight highlights how digital inclusion is now fundamental to wellbeing, independence, and social participation as we grow older. See:

https://www.itu.int/hub/2025/10/digital-inclusion-is-key-to-add-life-to-our-older-years/

This isn’t about “helping older people catch up.” It’s about recognising that ageing is a natural, lifelong process — and our digital world must evolve to support that reality.
When technology is designed inclusively, it becomes a powerful enabler. It helps people stay connected to family, manage their health, access services, continue learning, and participate fully in society. But when it’s not designed inclusively, it becomes a barrier — one that disproportionately affects older adults and those with age‑related impairments.

What I found interesting in the ITU’s message, is the shift from seeing digital access as a luxury to seeing it as a public good. As life expectancy rises, the question isn’t whether older adults will use digital tools — they already do. The real question is whether those tools will be usable, accessible, and respectful of the diverse ways people age.

For organisations, this has to be a wake‑up call. Older adults are not a niche market. They're a growing global demographic with enormous experience, spending power, and influence. Designing for them isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the smart thing to do.
As we get older, digital inclusion becomes essential — not optional.

What’s the one digital barrier you see older adults facing most often, and what would fix it fastest?

What are your thoughts and lived experiences? Your insight helps shape better, more inclusive design for everyone.