Stripped down enough? http://seniorix.de/images/screenshot/seniorix-20060508-desktop1024x768.jpg

We've trained lots of elderly people on Linux machines and even put some machines in senior citizen centers. Configuring Suse Linux for them was the right first step to do. The next step should be a GUI designed for them. If you're interested in contributing, drop me a note (a_rueckert@gmx.net), and I'll give you more details.