Elderly and Ergonomics
Elderliness is the most vulnerable and inevitable period of life. The changes within organ systems and multiple drug use for treatment of chronic diseases might also be risk factors for falls and be a background for accidents. Since the frequency of the risk factors increase above the age of 65-70, especially for this age group ergonomic regulations are needed for continuation of their daily living activities. Most of these risk factors might be eliminated by periodic examinations and safety checklists. Safety checklists are one of the most important tools for ergonomic evaluation. Another important application is supplying the elderly with personal assistive devices such as hearing instruments, glasses, and walking sticks to decrease the effects of some physiological deficiencies. Appropriate warning signs within the living area of the elderly will also be helpful for prevention of accidents. The aim of this review is to discuss the basic but essential ergonomic regulations within the houses and intimate environment where the elderly spend most of their time.
Keywords : Elderly, house safety audit list, ergonomics