Assisting the Aging Population With

Abstract

The period of older adulthood is often characterized by changes in physical and cognitive abilities. It is quite common for the elderly to experience changes in their health, decreased visual and auditory abilities, and changes in their ability to move about from place to place. Although not all older adults exhibit these changes, the ones that do can often feel out of place in society. Since we live in an environment that expects us to be independent and self-sufficient, some elderly may feel that their surroundings are not designed with them in mind. Locations in which they are present should be designed in a manner that suits their needs. In addition, individuals who work with the elderly need to be aware of their physical and cognitive abilities, and how they influence their interactions with the environment. By learning more about the discipline of ergonomics, individuals can begin to understand how to improve the surroundings of older adults and, in turn, help maintain their quality of life