By Brittany Chiu
In December 2024, a Wall Street Journal article boldly stated that Google was “for old people,” a remark that, at first glance, might seem somewhat humorous or even trivial. However, the controversy that followed signals deeper issues within the technology sector. The criticism stemmed from perceptions that technology, particularly from major players like Google, was becoming too complicated for older generations or that it was no longer catering to a younger, tech-savvy audience. Neal K. Shah, CEO of CareYaya Health Technologies, responded to this critique with an important clarification: the real issue is not about age, but about accessibility and design. Shah’s response calls for a reevaluation of how technology is built and whom it is built for. He argued that it is not the users who are at fault, but rather the way tech companies design their products.
It’s Not About Age, It’s About Accessibility and Inclusivity
Shah brings to light an often-overlooked issue in technology today: accessibility. While the article framed the criticism around “old people,” Shah contends that the true problem isn’t age but how tech is designed and marketed. People of all ages, from the tech-savvy millennial to the digitally-inexperienced senior, deserve access to technology that is intuitive and easy to use. A product should not be deemed inaccessible simply because its design is overly complex or requires specialized knowledge. The focus, according to Shah, should be on making technology inclusive for everyone, regardless of their familiarity with it.
The heart of his argument is that the design process in tech companies often fails to account for the diverse needs of its users. User-centric design, which places a heavy emphasis on how people interact with products, should be at the forefront of development. Technologies often feature complicated interfaces, obscure instructions, or overwhelming menus that may be intimidating or confusing to older adults. For example, the digital navigation found in smart home devices or health apps may assume a higher level of digital fluency, inadvertently leaving many people behind. The core message is clear: companies need to think inclusively about how all users, from young to old, interact with their devices.
Inclusivity in technology is not only a matter of ethical responsibility—it is also a strategic business decision. Shah emphasizes that by prioritizing user-friendly and inclusive design, companies can expand their reach to a wider audience. As global populations age, older adults are increasingly reliant on technology for communication, entertainment, and healthcare. Designing products with them in mind doesn’t just serve an ethical purpose—it also opens up a new and rapidly growing market for tech companies. In this way, inclusivity can drive business growth and customer satisfaction.
Redesigning Technology for All Ages
Tech companies will likely need to revisit their design processes. As technology becomes more pervasive in daily life, there is an increased demand for products that cater to a wide range of abilities and user experiences. Simplifying interfaces, creating user-friendly tutorials, and offering customization options are just a few ways companies can enhance accessibility. By embracing universal design principles—an approach that aims to make products usable by people with varying abilities, without the need for adaptation or specialized design—companies can ensure that their products are usable by everyone.
For instance, voice-activated devices have proven to be incredibly useful for individuals with limited mobility, including older adults who might struggle with traditional interfaces. Simple yet powerful adjustments, such as larger text, voice prompts, and easy-to-navigate menus, can make a huge difference in accessibility. It is about meeting the user where they are, not where you expect them to be.
A Shifting Market Focus
Companies that continue to focus exclusively on the younger, digital-native demographic may be missing out on a major opportunity. The older population is one of the fastest-growing groups online, with more seniors turning to technology for everything from staying in touch with family and friends to managing their health. Therefore, a shift toward inclusive design can result in not only better products but also an expanded customer base. By making technology more accessible, companies can appeal to an underserved market—older adults—who represent a significant and growing demographic with purchasing power.
Moreover, as older adults become more tech-dependent, their expectations for user-friendly technology will increase. Tech companies that are ahead of the curve in designing accessible products will be well-positioned to capture this emerging market. This strategic shift toward inclusivity could also strengthen brand loyalty, as consumers are more likely to stick with a brand that understands and addresses their needs.
The Broader Impact on Social Equity
The implications of accessibility go beyond market strategy. A failure to design inclusive technology has serious consequences for social equity. Technology today shapes almost every aspect of daily life: education, healthcare, employment, social connections, and civic participation. When technology is not accessible to everyone, it deepens the digital divide, leaving vulnerable groups behind. For instance, seniors who struggle to use technology are at a distinct disadvantage in accessing online healthcare services, digital banking, or telecommuting opportunities.
The lack of inclusive design can lead to a situation where people who are already marginalized—whether due to age, disability, or lack of technical skills—are further excluded from critical services and opportunities. By ensuring that products are designed for everyone, regardless of their technical ability, companies can contribute to a more equitable society. Accessible technology can enable individuals to remain active participants in an increasingly digital world, empowering them to access the resources and services they need.
The Future of Technology: A Focus on All Ages
An essential shift needs to occur within the tech industry: technology must evolve to serve people of all ages and abilities. It’s easy to assume that younger generations—who have grown up in a digital-first world—are the primary users of technology, but older populations are increasingly engaging with technology in profound ways. Whether it’s staying in touch with family through social media or using health-monitoring devices, technology is a crucial part of their daily lives.
For this reason, technology companies must design with empathy and inclusivity in mind. The ideal future of technology is one where it adapts to the needs of all users, allowing everyone—regardless of age or ability—to engage with the digital world in a meaningful way.
The controversy surrounding Google’s “old people tech” label is more than just a headline—it’s a wake-up call for the technology industry. While some may dismiss the critique as an oversimplification, it raises important questions about who tech products are really serving. By prioritizing accessible, user-centric design, companies can create products that are not only easier to use but also more inclusive. In doing so, they open the door to new markets, create more equitable opportunities, and contribute to a digital future where no one is left behind.
As technology continues to shape our world, it must be designed with all users in mind. Companies that embrace this mindset will not only lead the way in product innovation but also play an integral role in building a more inclusive and accessible digital society.