Ageing and accessible environment
I'm not 80; I'm eighteen
with 62 years experience. ~Author Unknown
Growing old in
one’s own home is the best gift that can be cherished for life. But what if,
the home itself comes in the way of daily life? Many accidental falls and
injuries to older adults are known to occur at their own home. Older adults
tend to lose balance a little easily than their younger counterparts. It is
mainly because of the diminishing sensation in one’s feet, as the age
increases, combined with various other co-existing disease conditions such as
Diabetes, Arthritis, together with various degenerative changes that take place
at neuronal level and various organ and cells in the body. It’s the time again
where there is a greater need of increasing the quality of life. With time the
size of families have shrunk and now in both the rural and urban areas the
people find difficulties to meet the connect with the larger social
environment. Fortunately for the majority of rural senior adults the connect to
the society stands very strong but the lack in the outreach of health and
rehabilitation services. Still, for many Indians, ageing would largely be
considered as a stage of peace to connect with the spiritual and religious
affiliation. Whereas the term “Ageing” is a positive note, where life is
considered positively and the preventive and protective measures are taken to
make it a healthy stage of life.
The immediate
home environment and the surrounding contain various level of hazards which may
restrict the participation. The environment needs to be more conducive and
participative. Dr. Shruti S.Ramjee a Physiotherapist and a columnist from
Chennai, writes for us on some adaptations in the home environment in Urban
areas. While there are various initiatives going globally, we are trying to
disseminate scientific information in the simple form. This is the first
serious where we are touching on issues related to accessibility and
ageing.
To avert such accidents and to make them
lead a peaceful life, certain adaptations are needed to be made at the
residence of the person.
Flooring: It is important to keep one’s feet firm
on the ground. For that purpose, the flooring of the house must be adjusted to
suit the feet of the seniors. Glazed tile flooring might look elegant, but it
might be equally terrifying to a grandparent, who would have great difficulty
moving around. It could be replaced by matte finish tiles, with distinct
grooves, to enhance better foot grip.
Carpeting: Rugs and carpets would be a welcome
addition to the floor, but it must be made sure that they are well tucked. An
odd loose string could tug at the feet and cause one to fall and remain
bedridden, causing physical and mental strain to everyone at home.
Barrier
free environment: The immediate
environment should be a barrier free space. The living room should not contain
small boxes or containers in the walking area, as this will disrupt the walking
and would put at risk off falling.
The
Stairway/Ramps: Stairs
must be of an ideal height and breadth, making the person comfortable even if
stood with both feet placed on a single step. They must be made of non-slippery
tiles, with adequate handrails, as even a small slip can lead to a great fall.
The
living space: In most
houses today, we might not have separate rooms for our grandparents, due to
space constraints. The house must be arranged in such a way that there is ease
of access to all the necessary areas such as switchboards, doors, windows,
bathrooms etc. This would provide a sense of security and relief to the
seniors, as they need not strain to get up each time they need something. Also,
if at all they feel giddy, they can have a support to reach out for, rather
than groping in the empty space, which would be terrifying for them.
Aids
and Accessories: Water,
medicines, a first aid kit, torchlight, remote controls, an extra pair of
eyeglasses, walking aids (if used), spare cloth, towels, a few books, pens and
papers, etc. must be kept in a shelf beside their beds. It matters when pains
are taken to keep everything safe and secure for the elderly to stay in
satisfaction.
Cleanliness: Care must be taken not to spill
anything on the floor. A small pool of water, soap suds, spilt sticky or
slippery food etc would irritate the feet of even a younger person, and could
cause a dangerous slip to an elderly adult.
It is true that
old age is second childhood, so it is important to handle them as gently as one
would take care of a child. Everyone has the right to live happily at “one’s
home” even if it is a small one room flat, and not with an empty heart at “a
foster home”, however spacious it might be.
