Challenges and barriers faced by older adults to access legislative e-participation platforms in Brazil

Abstract

With the steady increase of the aging population in Brazil, older adults demand government services and actions more than ever. The present exploratory study analyzed the challenges and barriers faced by older adults when accessing legislative e-participation platforms, considering whether the challenges would interfere with these citizens' empowerment. The study employed qualitative evaluations with 20 participants over 60 years old on the e-Cidadania and e-Democracia platforms. It involved responding to a questionnaire, using the platform—while usability tests and observation were conducted—and a post-test interview. The results showed that, in general, the participants were interested in contributing to the e-participation platforms and considered that these systems provide representativeness to them. However, the negative aspects of the design contribute to skepticism among older adults, which can demotivate them to use the resources. The results highlight how the interface features reinforce participants' distrust in the government and distrust in the e-participation process as soon as they realize the information and language are complicated and the resource is difficult to use. They stressed that a more accessible language and a simplified organization of web pages could facilitate the use and boost older people's engagement with these platforms. The results provide reflections on the design of e-participation systems and processes to promote real political participation of older adults in society. Although the study is not representative of the Brazilian older adult population, the qualitative findings and recommendations were delivered to the Accessibility commission of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies and have been used for guidance and improvements in the platforms.