Elderly Needs and Inclusive Design

• Discusses human factors and diverse capabilities, focusing on varied abilities in inclusive design, cultural impact, elderly needs, children's needs, and special needs

Elderly Population Needs and Design Implications

• Data exists for the elderly between ages 65 and 85
• Being elderly is determined by physical or psychological feeling, where the inability to perform daily living activities is a factor
• As populations increase, there are greater concerns for understanding the elderly's physical, psychological, and social needs
• Elderly men lose 5% of their height after age 20, elderly women lose 6%
• Physical changes among the elderly include no longer having 1 cm of growth, cartilage shrinkage in the spine, and slumped posture
• Psychological dimensions include privacy, isolation and crowding; cultural aspects affect room sharing

The design considerations for the elderly

• Hand strength is reduced by 16-40%
• Arm and leg strength is reduced by 50%
• Air intake is reduced by about 35%
• Body span decreases with age
• The nose and ears increase in width and length
• Weight increases by 2 kg every decade (10 years)
• Color perception diminishes due to lens yellowing where green, blue, and violet are not distinguished
• Eyes reaction time doubles

More design consideration factors

• Glare doubles with aging
• A 40-year-old needs double the light of a 20-year-old, and a 60-year-old needs 5-6 times more light
• Visual details are more important as they age, and illumination is required by 20%
• There is hearing loss with aging related to high-frequency sounds
• Taste and smell become less sensitive so they use stronger flavors
• Design should pay attention to color, material, product choices, and application

Gender

• Men are more physically active, and maintain the ability to do everyday tasks
• Women tend to live longer, but have higher risk factors for illness
• Women's greater use of medication is associated with more fractures, osteoporosis, chronic back problems, osteoarthritis, and depression
• Residential design needs to be long-range with inclusive environments

Design Considerations

• Age-related changes affect physical strength, cognitive abilities, and sensory perception, requiring adaptable designs
• Reduced muscle strength and flexibility necessitate ergonomic and easy-to-use designs
• Limited movement and balance issues require accessible pathways, grab bars, and supportive seating
• Diminished touch sensitivity and proprioception require tactile-friendly materials and clear feedback mechanisms
• Declining eyesight necessitates high-contrast colors, large fonts, and glare-free lighting
• Hearing loss requires amplified sound, visual alerts, and noise reduction
• Reduced senses of taste and smell should be considered in food presentation, safety alarms, and environmental design
• Memory loss and slower information processing demand intuitive, clutter-free, and simplified design interfaces.

Chairs

• Avoid front rungs because the elderly need to move their legs to the back for support when they try to stand
• Armrests give support for rising; sofas are difficult to get out of
• The height of seats and worktops must be adjustable, worktops can be 7.6 cm higher for reading/writing
• Raise and lower shelves by 7.6cm
• Work tables should be lowered by 3.8cm

Features of the Elderly Friendly Chair

• No Front Rungs: Ensures easy leg movement backward for standing support
• Armrests for Support: Sturdy increases aid in rising and sitting
• Adjustable Seat Height: Customization
• Optimized Seat Depth & Cushioning: Not too deep and supports pressure relief
• Non-Slip & Stable Base: Wide, anti-slip legs to prevent tipping
• Back Support & Ergonomic Design: Supports lumbar region to reduce strain
• Accessible Worktop & Shelf Considerations: Adjustable height for reading, writing, and easy-reach storage solutions