Digitalization has been increasing at a fast pace. With almost everything going online, you can access almost anything with just the click of a button. Major brands have set up both online and offline stores, outlets, etc. Some startups/brands have gone solely online with others switching between the two as per conditions. Coronavirus pandemic has acted as a catalyst in the dramatic rise of the digital realm with almost everything ranging from products, goods, and services offered online.
The imposition of nationwide, statewide lockdowns, apprehension of catching the deadly virus has confined people at their homes. Though after the easing of norms people have started to go out yet the fear of the virus especially among seniors and children hasn’t plummeted down. Across the world, senior citizens have been identified as the most vulnerable groups affected by the deadly virus. Senior citizens face a lot of difficulties in such scenarios, they can’t go out to buy groceries or essential commodities. It’s also not about always being able to go out. Some are not able to go out due to old age, some practically live alone and are not able to go out after the days’ heavy chores, etc. Not being able to go out for recreation saddens people but not being able to out even to buy commodities essential for daily survival hits worse. Though the online mode has come to the rescue yet it hasn’t been able to help much.
Purchasing through the online medium has seen a rise with seniors also using it. But not every senior citizen can operate and order conveniently. It isn’t the smartphone ownership among older adults that’s a problem but the not being able to operate the complex applications is. The user interface they look at, makes them feel as if not made for them. This comes due to the readability issues, hyperlinks, dropdowns, and buttons which become cumbersome to click. Therefore, something that solves such issues is the need of the hour. An application with simple user interfaces such that they don’t complex the needs of the end-user is required. Integration of the delivery mode into an app that is primarily used by the majority i.e. even a major share of seniors also use it, would be a logical approach. Otherwise, call support where one can directly call and provide commodity details and other requirements work wonders too.
The aim in such a scenario is to come up with a solution that makes the life of our elders easier. Something that adds to their difficulty is a foolish approach. Providing them with a sense of security, ownership, and freedom is imperative. After they are our retired comrades who did a lot for us and the nation in their glory days. It’s our responsibility to take care of them and make them smile often.
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Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels
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