Ergonomic assessment of houses for elderly people in Radhanpur city, Patan District

Abstract

The proportion of elderly around the world has increased rapidly in recent years and is projected to accelerate in the next few decades. Therefore, it is important for all countries to promote healthy ageing and help the elderly to maintain their functional abilities to meet their basic needs such as making decisions, being mobile, living in healthy and safe environment, maintaining relationships and contributing to society. Present study was conducted in Radhanpur city of Patan district of Gujarat and aimed at assessing houses for elderly people. A representative sample of 120 people was selected randomly from twelve societies. Personal and socio-economic characteristics were studied as independent variables, risk for health and safety and problems faced by elderly people related to housing environment were studied as the dependent variable. An interview schedule was formed which comprised questions related to background information, personal and socio-economic variables and type of activities performed by elderly people. Data were collected by personal interview technique. Descriptive type statistical tools analysis was done by calculating percentage, frequency, mean, 5th percentile and 95th percentile.