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Computer Keyboards for Seniors
With the growing popularity of computer and internet usage, it is no wonder that the reality has reached our senior citizens. Senior citizens have the need to stay in touch with what’s going on in the world, stay in touch with their family and friends, and even play games for fun just as the rest of us do.
However, it’s not so easy for them. Why you may ask? Simply because as we grow older, our vision does in fact weaken and it is nowhere near as strong as it used to be when we teenagers, in our thirties or even in our forties and fifties.
Computer keyboards tend to be a hassle for those with poor vision, cataracts or glaucoma simply due to the fact that the letters and numbers on the keyboard can be difficult to distinguish from one another. The good news is that manufacturers have taken this type of thing into consideration and have actually developed keyboards that are perfect for senior citizens – similar to the way manufacturers purposely designed some of the best children computer keyboards for that specific user group.
There are several computer keyboards available today on the market that improves the usability of a computer for an elderly person. Most of these keyboards have been designed to reduce eye strain and allow for better visibility of the location of the keys. A lot of senior citizen centers have opted towards these specially designed keyboards.
What Makes These Keyboards Different Than the Standard Keyboard?
The answer to that question is very simple. These keyboards have been designed with larger letters as well as larger keys. Some of them have been designed with less keys doing away with the hot keys for multimedia players, unnecessary programs, e-mail, internet, etc.
Apart from the larger letters and larger keys, some of these keyboards for senior citizens have been designed with vibrant colors so it’s easier to see. For example, one of the most popular computer keyboards is the VisionBoard and VisionBoard2.
VisionBoard and VisionBoard2
The VisionBoard comes with 1 inch sized keys with black numbers and letters on white keys. The VisionBoard2 can be purchased in black bold letters and numbers on yellow keys. Both of these provide improved visibility of the keys.
Keys-U-See
This is a popular computer keyboard that is purchased often for senior citizens. The keys on the keyboard are larger as well as the font. Different color combinations can be purchased including a bright and vibrant yellow. If the keyboard is for a very computer-savvy senior then this is probably a great choice since it has one-touch hot keys for the internet and e-mail.
Stick-on Labels
Stick-on labels are another option for senior citizens if they do not wish to purchase another keyboard outright. These labels can stick right on top of the standard keyboard keys and will be of larger font. This is just fine as long as there is no trouble hitting the right keys and the trouble only lies in seeing the right letter or number.
When buying computer keyboards for your grandparents or a senior citizen center, take everything into consideration – purchase a keyboard that is going to improve the overall experience using the computer. Seniors want to stay in touch with family and friends just like the rest of us and with a keyboard with large print and large keys, the experience can be much more enjoyable and appreciated.
Michael Simms is a freelance writer for QwertyKeyboard.org, a website about all things related to qwerty keyboard such as the best wireless keyboards, the best ergonomic keyboards, etc.
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