The present paper has described a project oriented to make easier
older people life. This collective is currently using the technology
and they want to use it. However they do not use technology in
the “common” way because they have special features and
necessities that are not the same than those of the people in other
collectives. Taken this into account it is necessary to define
strategies that make ICT as something inclusive.
The present project has tried to facilitate access for older people to
mobile apps by using a repository. But this repository is not a
mere compilation of mobile apps. It includes apps for older people
taking into account their special features and their needs. In
addition it includes search and recommendation systems.
While carrying out this research it was possible to detect that
older people needs not only specific type of tools but also training
courses about how to use the devices and courses adapted also to
them.
Currently classification and testing is being carried out. From the
classification of tools was possible to see that there is a wide set
of tools to include in each category of necessities and that the
usability features are difficult to evaluate. Now the important
issue is that older people find the repository as something useful
and they enrich it with their evaluation and comments.
As future research work it would be desirable to include more
categories, more commercial tools and also other operative
systems something that can be perfectly supported by the
repository.
As a final conclusion it is necessary to say that the final user
should always be in our minds while developing applications,
because the tools should be adapted to them, and older people
needs special attention in this sense.