The Older Population and Ergonomics

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the need for improved ergonomics and ergonomics that are better suited to the aging population. It discusses the phenomenon of companies having older workers in their employ now that the general population is aging. It describes various studies and their results as well as implemented plans for more ergonomic workplaces.

From the Paper:

"Further, according to a study by Parker et. al, older individuals in residential and nursing care homes may depend on the environment to compensate for their physical or cognitive frailties. Regulations and guidelines on the design of care buildings have accumulated over time with little knowledge of their impact on the quality of life of building users. The Design in Caring Environments Study (DICE) collected cross-sectional data on building design and quality of life in 38 care homes in and near Sheffield, Yorkshire. Quality of life was assessed using methods consisting of all residents regardless of their frailty. Significant positive associations were found between several aspects of the built environment and the residents' quality of life. There was evidence that a focus on safety and health requirements could be creating risk-averse environments which act against quality of life, particularly for the least frail residents. The new tool for assessing building design has potential applications in further research and for care providers."

Sample of Sources Used:

• BSI. Announcement of standards for aging population. http://www.bsi-global.com/
• CEBE. Introduction of universal design http://cebe.cf.ac.uk/learning/sig/inclusive/whatisinc.pdf
• Disability Discrimination Act (HSE Website). 4 March 2007 http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/DisabilityRig hts/DG_4001068
• Design Council. Inclusive Design. http://www.design-council.org.uk/en/About-Design/Design-Techniques/Inclusive-design/
• Exploding the myths of aging. (HSE Website) 4 March 2007 http://www.sro.hse.gov.uk/View_Article.aspx?id=103

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