Through a senior’s eyes, literally.
At age 35, I recently went to get fitted for a hearing aid. My hearing loss is due to a genetic condition, but the seniors who sat around me in the waiting room of the doctor’s office were facing the reality of hearing loss due to age. This reminded me of other physical limitations that seniors face, and how that impacts our marketing and overall communication with them.
At GlynnDevins, we recognize the importance of adhering to senior readability standards. It goes beyond type size. We also limit the use of light type on a dark background, ornate type, ALL CAPS and type over an image. Complex paper folds can be tricky for arthritic hands, and high-gloss paper can have a glare through eyeglasses. More information about readability standards can be found here.
Lee Memorial Health System in Florida is doing something extra to quite literally let their staff members see through the eyes of a senior. Their Aging Sensitivity Training, called The Secure Project, includes special glasses that simulate eye problems in older adults, such as glaucoma, cataracts and yellowing of the eye lens. The training kit also includes arthritis simulation gloves and more. What a great idea!
The average age of a senior moving into a CCRC is approximately 81. What are you doing at your community to connect and relate to older adults as they face the very real and often challenging aspects of aging?
Great reminder Andrea. And it goes beyond ads. Don’t forget to also apply this to presentation slides used at seminars, as well as, sales materials used in one-on-one appointments.
Thanks for these reminders, Andrea. Your link to the AIGA page was especially helpful. From there I went to the American Printing House for the Blind and downloaded their free font especially designed for people with low vision. Thank you!
Andrea,
This sounds wonderfully close to our own going-on-three year “Sleepover Project”. Google it or see the D2 website. The more miles we walk in their shoes, the better we make the shoes.
Bravo!
David,
Thanks for sharing. I couldn’t agree more.