Specific issues of the design for the elderly

Abstract

Abstract.The actual demographic studies show that number of the elderly people is increasing constantly. Considering their motor, sensorial and cognitive constrains and restrictions, a new field of Assistive Technology is developing, focussed on the design and development of a wide range of devices, apparatus, equipment and systems dedicated to their independent and safe life. In this paper, a systematisation of existing gero-technical systems is proposed, emphasising the today trends in this field. The specific issues of designing this kind of products are identified and analysed. Two approaches of the authors are finally presented: wearable suits for aging and disabilities simulation and tele-monitoring of the elderly. IntroductionIn the current period there are intense efforts of enriching the knowledge in the field of designing for older persons. The increasingly rich experience of the designers leads to the improvement of the user's outcomes and satisfaction, and increasing the systems efficiency.The interdisciplinary research of aging and its dedicated technology, for a better life quality of the elderly, defines the dynamic filed of gerotechnology. An appropriate approach in the complex process of the design devices and equipment which belong to the gerotechnology, that assumes the focus on the specific requirements of the elderly, enhances their safety, increases the tasks completion rate, reduces the carrying on time and errors, limits the need for supplementary modifications and adjustments, etc.The assistive devices and equipment developed for older people may offer various ways to compensate the motor, sensorial and cognitive impairments, functional limitations and disabilities associated with aging, to support frailty specific to very old persons, to provide the ability to complete basic daily tasks without personal assistance and to combat the pain and compensate the fatigue [1].