Designing devices that are acceptable to the frail elderly: a new understanding based upon how older people perceive a walker

Issue title: Technology Transfer

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Pippin, Ken^{a; *} | Femie, Geoffrey R.^b

Affiliations: [a] Baptist Community Care, 227 Burwood Road, Hawthorne, VIC 3122, Australia | [b] Centre for Studies in Aging, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 61 3 98187344; fax: + 61 3 98182128.

Abstract: It is commonly suggested that the unappealing appearance of many assistive devices discourages their adoption and use by elderly people. This study investigated users' perceptions of walking aids through 22 semi-structured interviews and three focus groups. It was found that device acceptance incorporates issues related to device appearance and stigma and enhancement of individual autonomy. Each individual held unique preferences for both aspects of image and autonomy. Additionally, device acceptance is dependent upon the context. Concern with the negative image of the device was limited to the first mobility device and was temporary.

Keywords: Elderly, Stigma, Normalization, Consumer perceptions, Walker

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1997-71-211

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 7, no. 1-2, pp. 93-102, 1997