Elderly Challenge - Observation 1 (2nd June)

To begin with the elderly have many problems. Let me list down a few and how most senior citizens cope with it.

From my observations many elderly people have troubles walking properly. In the rain the danger level for them is worse as the chances of them falling is higher. the chances are at its peak when they are carrying items. There are three simple solutions. Firstly they either have a full time maid to help them do everything. The second solution is a walking stick, but it is not as effective as it would be difficult for them to hold the umbrella and walk with the walking stick at the same time. The last solution is having an umbrella cum walking stick. It is basically an umbrella that has a firm rubber base to increase friction. So, when it rains they can easily use it as umbrella and when it is dry they can use it as a walking aid.

Another difficulty is cleaning up the house. All forms of cleaning activities involve stretching, mainly of the back. As we grow older our spine becomes weaker and weaker so when we stretch it we can do serious damage to it. It also requires bending of the knees which is also a strain for the elderly. Again a full time maid is a good way. Another way is a part time maid that comes every week. Some senior citizens take it upon themselves to clean their own house, but that is a huge risk for them especially if their house is very big.

One other strenuous activity is going down to get groceries. This erquires carrying a heavy load that again strains the back. It also weakens the arms. A solution that most elderly use is using the trolley which really lightens their load. Again the full time maid comes in to help. If they think they are healthy they would do it themselves which is not a safe option.

Lastly going to the toilet. It might seem simple enough but it is very difficult for them. Firstly the water on the floor makes it slippery. This makes it very easy for them to fall. Secondly most toilets have no handrails to hold onto so if they fall there is no turning back. The full time maid is one solution. Another one is a caretaker who bathes and helps the elderly in the toilet. Some elderly install railings in the toilet walls. Another group buys toilets which have a glass door separating the bathing area which is the wet area from the toilet area. The last solution some people use is to put rubber stickers on the toilet floor and the bath tub floor.

So far this is what I know and have witnessed. I feel that if someone really puts their mind to it many more innovative solutions to the problems of the elderly. This way the elderly can be 99.99% safe.