Producing innovative, technical aids such as touchscreens and smartphones for seniors is not really new. Only not yet so widespread on the German market. Japanese companies have been leading the way for several years - with success. In Japan, one in five people is already 65 years or older. And the German population is not getting any younger either. Currently, more than 16.69 million people over the age of 65 live in Germany, and the trend is rising.

It should be clear that older people are just as fascinated by technically and visually appealing things as young people. In old age, you don't suddenly change your taste. The only difference is that many elderly citizens often find it difficult to deal with how new technologies work. Touchscreens are ideal companions because they can be controlled intuitively and are therefore particularly popular with seniors. Since 2011, a well-known Japanese manufacturer has been successfully marketing a smartphone especially for seniors.

In addition to larger text and icons, there are also fewer apps that only confuse users. Basic functions are also more clearly named, so that older people can also do more with the terms (e.g. phone book instead of contact, or city map instead of GPS).

In general, it can be assumed that touchscreen devices that are suitable for older people will also be used by younger target groups.

Another area of application of touchscreen technology for seniors is the application of touchscreens in assistance systems to support care. Touch-based applications are very easy to use for older people, as intuitive use does not require any technical knowledge. There are more and more devices that enable people at home to control their environment with appropriate touch applications despite physical limitations due to age or illness.

Be it to operate the heating or the light. To open or close doors and windows, as well as shutters or curtains, or to stay in contact with outsiders as a communication aid or telephone. Demographic change is increasingly changing our society. Life expectancy is increasing from time to time and we also have to face the new technological challenges.

Interelectronix already offers many years of experience as a supplier of high-quality, specially tailored touchscreen solutions for the medical and care industries. We are curious to see with which innovative ideas and developments touchscreen technology will cover the special needs of older people in the coming years.