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.