Abstract
The slowing down of general bodily functioning and the dulling of the sensory and motor processes that accompany aging, dictate the need for designing special equipment so that the elderly citizen can function effectively and independently as a member of society. Examples may be found in labeling, devices to help in opening jars and medicine bottles, counter-balanced doors, special “helps” for bathroom activities, and warning devices for the hearing impaired. This forum will serve to identify special product needs for the elderly consumer by bringing together members of the technical groups on consumer products, aging, and safety. Moreover, the methodologies used by these three groups will be discussed in light of the elderly consumer with special emphasis being directed towards the modifications and synthesis needed in these methodologies to obtain the required information.
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