The process of aging: A case study approach implementing an ergonomics evaluation of the built environment for the elderly in Brazil

Issue title: Special Section: Work on Ergonomics and People with Disabilities

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Paiva, Marie | Ferrer, Nicole | Villarouco, Vilma

Affiliations: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

Note: [] Corresponding author: Vilma Villarouco, Rua de Santana, 171 – Ap 1201 – Casa Forte. Recife-PE, CEP 52060-460, Brazil. Tel.: +55 81 96329939; Fax: +55 81 21268306; E-mail: villarouco@hotmail.com

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The phenomenon of aging is increasing worldwide. Various problems accompany it since aging makes the elderly undergo a decline in their natural functions. As such, senility can present itself as a barrier for everyday activities. OBJECTIVE: This article presents a research that deals with the study of collective residences for the elderly. It seeks to identify configurations of these homes by seeking shortcomings and/or successful solutions. METHODS: The Ergonomic Methodology for the Built Environment was applied. The method of the approach is qualitative and consists of multi-case study. RESULTS: Through the methodological approach, conflicts in the environment created by missing or inadequate elements were identified. Also, the opinions and suggestions from the elderly were analyzed, which shows their perception of the environment in use. CONCLUSIONS: The situations detected in this study indicate the occurrence of problems, exacerbated by the multiple deficiencies found in the user population of the environments analyzed. Thus it highlights the importance of there being future studies that are better targeted on designing environments for the elderly.

Keywords: Senescence, quality of life, housing for the elderly

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141967

Journal: Work, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 595-606, 2015