Aging, motor control, and the performance of computer mouse tasks

Because of the increased presence of computers in work and everyday life an d the demographic "graying" of America, there is a need for interface desig ns that promote accessibility for older people. This study examined age dif ferences in the performance of basic computer mouse control techniques. An additional goal of the study was to examine the influence of age-related ch anges in psychomotor abilities on mouse control. A total of 60 participants in 3 age groups (20-39 years, 40-59 years, and 60-75 years) performed 4 ta rget acquisition tasks (pointing, clicking, double-clicking, and dragging) using a computer mouse. The data indicated that the older participants had more difficulty performing mouse tasks than the younger participants. Diffe rences in performance attributable to age were found for the more complex t asks (clicking and double-clicking). Furthermore, age-related changes in ps ychomotor abilities were related to age differences in performance. We disc uss applications to computer interface designs. Actual or potential applica tions of this research include specifications for computer mouse design to accommodate older populations.