Title: Architectural accessibility and reading complexity of US state e-government for older adult users

Authors: Shirley Ann Becker

Addresses: College of Business Administration, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA

Abstract: The US aging population can benefit greatly from e-government resources because of their immediate availability. Unfortunately, older adults may encounter web barriers preventing access to e-government resources. This study assessed potential barriers associated with state e-government in terms of link descriptions, navigational depth, and reading complexity. Results showed that most state sites were not readily accessible by older adults. Only 5% had descriptive homepage links navigating directly to senior resources. Fifteen percent required navigation through four or more secondary pages to access senior resources. Over 91% of sampled content targeting seniors had a reading grade level higher than eighth grade.

Keywords: web accessibility; web design; web usability; literacy; information technology; aging; e-government; usage barriers; senior citizens; seniors; older adults.

DOI: 10.1504/EG.2004.005172

Electronic Government, an International Journal, 2004 Vol.1 No.2, pp.115 - 129

Published online: 09 Sep 2004 *

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