Aging populations and the growing need for access services

According to the World Health Organization, by 2050, the global population of individuals aged 60 years or older is expected to reach 2.1 billion — more than double the 1 billion recorded in 2020. As life expectancies increase so, too, do the challenges associated with aging, including hearing and vision loss, making accessibility services more important than ever.

At Verbit, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to information and communication for all individuals, including aging populations. Our AI-driven and human-generated accessibility solutions help older adults remain engaged, informed and connected whether in the workplace, the living room or at live events.

Accessibility’s role in social connections

As people age, social isolation becomes a growing concern. Without access to entertainment, news and conversations, older adults may feel disconnected from their communities. Captioning, transcription and audio description services help aging individuals stay socially active, enabling them to participate in conversations, cultural events and digital interactions while fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging.

Making information and entertainment more accessible can help reduce feelings of loneliness and enhance an individual’s overall well-being, enabling them to engage more actively in their communities and maintain meaningful social connections.

The impact of hearing loss and the need for captions

Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that nearly one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 experience hearing loss, with that number rising to nearly half for those over 75. Captions provide a simple yet effective way to ensure that those with hearing loss can fully participate in daily life. Whether watching TV, attending church or catching a live show, captions allow individuals to view spoken content in real time.

Verbit supports captioning needs

Verbit’s suite of captioning solutions help businesses, broadcasters, schools, houses of worship, governments and others reach wider audiences and boost engagement. Our live and post-production captions — created by our AI-driven Captivate™ technology, skilled human captioners or a combination of both — provide high-quality access and support accessibility guidelines. Our captions are available in multiple languages and can be displayed on screens, mobile devices or live streams, ensuring that aging individuals never miss important content.

Transcripts for improved information retention

For those who prefer reading over listening, transcripts offer another layer of accessibility. Older adults can benefit from written records of meetings, sermons, legal discussions or entertainment content, allowing them to review important information at their own pace.

How Verbit enhances transcription accessibility

Verbit provides high-quality, accurate live and post-production transcription services for a variety of customers, including those in the education, corporate, media, legal and government sectors, ensuring that aging professionals and learners have equal access to knowledge.

Audio-described content for the blind and low-vision community

Vision loss is another common challenge among aging populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around 12 million people aged 40 and older in the US experience some form of vision loss. For these individuals, audio description provides vital access to visual content. Audio description narrates key visual elements in movies, television programs and live events, enabling individuals who are blind or with low vision to follow along with the action. This service is especially important for aging populations who may struggle to see fine details on screens or in presentations.

Verbit’s audio description services

Verbit’s audio description solutions are designed to make media and digital content more accessible to individuals who are blind or with low vision. Our professional team creates clear, detailed, high-quality descriptions that allow aging individuals to enjoy entertainment, educational videos and corporate presentations with greater ease. We offer both standard and extended audio description as well as descriptions in English, Spanish and French.

A more inclusive future for aging populations

As the global population continues to age, prioritizing accessibility is no longer optional — it’s essential. By adding access solutions, organizations create inclusive spaces where individuals of all ages and abilities have equal access to information and entertainment. With Verbit’s industry-leading solutions, aging adults can continue to lead independent, informed and connected lives.

Reach out to our team today to learn more.