In October 2016, Afnor launched the "Tested and Approved by Seniors" label to help older consumers identify products genuinely suited to their needs. With seniors commanding significant market share, this certification addresses a key demand for age-appropriate design.
According to CREDOC (Research Center for the Study and Observation of Living Conditions), seniors account for over 50% of consumer spending in France today. This makes the label a powerful tool for manufacturers to highlight products validated by real seniors.
The label applies to everyday consumer goods—whether designed specifically for seniors or for general use. Products must pass rigorous user tests with panels of consumers aged 60+, alongside evaluations by ergonomists and occupational therapists.
It certifies that products are ergonomic, meaning they're adapted to seniors' physical and cognitive abilities for intuitive use, easy handling, and safe operation.
We've all encountered frustrations like tiny phone keys or minuscule remote buttons that grow harder to manage with age. The same challenges arise with TV remotes, tablets, computers, household appliances, alarms, lighting, and heating controls.
In a fully recreated model apartment, seniors test products in realistic scenarios, rating them on: perceived usefulness, ease of use, autonomy, overall approval, mastery of the product, social influence, image, relevance, output quality, demonstration effectiveness, intended use, senior-specific challenges, and perceived safety.
Ergonomists and occupational therapists contribute expert insights by observing and testing products themselves, assessing: visibility, environmental fit, user autonomy and control, consistency and standardization, error prevention, recognition, flexibility and efficiency, design quality, and adaptations for aging.
