Today, I want to make the business case for why web accessibility is essential for an aging population.
In 2022, people in the US who were 65 or older represented 17.3% of the population. This percentage is expected to grow to 22% by 2040. While older adults are a diverse group in many ways, they are likely to experience at least one physiological or cognitive change that limits their ability to use websites. The Census Bureau reports that 33% of adults 65 or older live with some form of disability (2022).
In terms of spending power, this group outspends younger adults on travel, healthcare, luxury goods, and entertainment. They also contribute the most in philanthropic donations.
The bottom line is this: older adults are a growing demographic that can’t be ignored. Businesses must take their needs seriously to earn their trust and business.
The good news is that accessibility best practices, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), already aim to support older adults’ needs. By implementing these practices, you are helping to serve this demographic effectively.
In my experience, whenever I discuss web accessibility with older adults, they understand its importance immediately—even if they don’t live with disabilities themselves. They empathize with the need for better access and support because they’ve observed friends and family members encounter accessibility barriers.
If your business serves older adults, let’s start a conversation about meeting their needs better in 2025.
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