The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), one of the world’s largest and most important tech events, takes place every year in January. CES is where technology companies from around the world showcase their latest innovations and products, from televisions to smart home devices, and emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence and virtual reality. The event provides a unique glimpse into the future of the world of consumer electronics.
A national effort is underway to ensure that technology is designed to be more inclusive and equitable for all, including older adults. At this year’s conference, Consumer Technology Association Foundation Executive Director Steve Ewell, OATS from AARP Executive Director Tom Kamber and OATS Director of Special Initiatives Jeffrey Rose will appear on the AgeTech Collaborative stage for a conversation titled Digital Equity and Inclusive AgeTech, moderated by President of FreeWind Productions Danielle D. Duplin. The group will discuss how technologies showcased at CES are increasingly contributing to inclusive goals, and trends such as adaptive UX design, mass market pricing, assistive devices, and age-friendly design.
While older adults currently comprise 10 percent of the world’s population, they are projected to represent almost 35 percent by 2050.(1) As the population ages, older adults must be included in conversations about technology use and design. Full participation in the digital world requires internet access, a suitable device, and digital literacy–what experts refer to as the “three-legged stool” of digital inclusion. Steps must be taken to ensure that these essential tools are made available to all. According to The National Digital Inclusion Alliance, “Digital Inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital Inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional, and structural barriers to access and use technology.” (2)
Results from AARP’s 2023 Tech Trends report show “a need to educate older consumers on the available tech, how it will benefit them, where to get it, and how to use it. Considering the potential barriers to tech adoption facing older consumers, the research suggests they need to be convinced that the product is easy to use and to clearly understand the benefits.”(3) Two key legislative programs are in place to help older adults overcome barriers and use technology to improve their lives. While these programs are an important step on the path to full digital inclusion, much work remains to be done.
As we talk at CES about the great opportunities that technology presents, and hear about exciting new innovations, we must always consider those who are not yet able to harness technology to its fullest, including older adults. At OATS we are optimists. Within a wide-ranging CES perspective, there is hope on the horizon that change is coming, potentially bringing about digital inclusion, equity, and opportunity for all.
Photo taken at the CES 2023 conference.
References:
- World Health Organization, “Ageing and health”, Fact sheets, accessed November 15th, 2023, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health.
- National Digital Inclusion Alliance, “The Words Behind Our Work: The Source for Definitions of Digital Inclusion Terms”, Definitions, accessed November 15th, 2023, www.digitalinclusion.org/definitions.
- Kakulla, Brittne. 2023 Tech Trends and the 50-Plus. Washington, DC: AARP Research, January 2023. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00584.001