Chairs for the elderly--design considerations.

ABSTRACT

Ageing brings a number of normal physical changes and sometimes is accompanied by diseases that affect physical functions and abilities. Therefore, the elderly require special consideration in the design of chairs. Requirements for three types of chairs for the elderly are presented. A description of a typical user of each chair provides a reference for the level of ability that must be accommodated. Features of the chairs that promote comfort, safety, ease of ingress and egress and ease of propulsion (where applicable) are discussed in relation to some of the special problems experienced by some of the older members of the population.