March 08, 2009

Inventions make life easier and are supposed to provide comfort for people of all ages without any discrimination or distinction. But sometimes their design and manufacture makes them complicated and difficult for use by the elderly.

Markets are full of well-designed domestic appliances and sophisticated electronic gadgets and widgets which the elderly find difficult to use, enjoy or consume effortlessly. Available with different beautiful styles and lucrative models, new mobile phone sets are the latest example of the above.

Ever wondered why older people prefer landline telephone sets to mobile phones? It is much easier to dial big-sized numbers on telephone sets than those small tiny touch buttons on cell phones. New models of mobile phones have now got even smaller buttons, which appeal to younger consumers but are difficult for older people who cannot see nor press them properly.

I once tried my level best to buy an analogue wristwatch with an easy-to-read dial with big numbers for my father but they were all masterpieces instead of being a simple time piece. A stylised arrangement of hands and numbers is excellent but only when it serves the primary purpose of being a watch.

Similarly, you will never find a remote control in the market with big display numbers. Sophisticated options provided in remote controls make it difficult for elderly people to use as compared to something simple. Both socially and technologically, it seems as though our society is gradually becoming geared to the youth with very little space for senior citizens in its social protocol.

From the slippery outer surface of a drinking glass to meticulously designed hard-to-grip teacups, computers, laptops, keyboard, ATM machines, elevators, nail-cutters; senior consumers are treated just like young consumers without any special consideration or care for their comfort care, or needs.

Multinational companies introduce various consumer goods and services in the market but never anything exclusively meant for the elderly.

Not all tall buildings in the city have elevators. Poorly-designed stairs, on the other hand, are quite difficult and laborious for old-aged people. Seating arrangements in most public places entail only benches or stools instead of chairs with armrests and back support.

Chairs at the hair dressers’ are mounted high with no adjusting levers to lower them. Only a few pedestrian bridges in the city have been designed so that the elderly or disabled could use them easily.

Footpaths and pavements are constructed or renovated with ceramic tiles which are slippery and seriously hazardous during rain for senior citizens.

Foot-stands in local buses are high above the ground which makes it impossible for senior citizens to step on. Also, they have to stand in the buses by hanging on to the grab bar, which is high and quite difficult for senior citizens to grip firmly.

Apart from proper ventilation arrangements in homes, small fixtures like electric switches, washbasin, mirrors, clothes-hangers, commodes etc. are mounted high with an unnecessary use of marble all over the place. The use of glass doors has become a major cause of fractures and other physical accidents suffered by the elderly.

Senior people enjoy reading but the font of published materials including books, magazines and newspapers is becoming complex and smaller day by day.

On busy thoroughfares with fast moving traffic, the time allotted for pedestrians at the zebra crossing appears to be quite short for senior citizens as compared to young and robust pedestrians, hence the simple task of crossing the road has been made a Herculean task due to our carelessness.

Restaurants could have a special menu for senior citizens who mostly opt for a cup of tea and soft sandwiches. For the elderly, fast food outlets should provide assistance instead of self service as well as sugar free, low fat and nutritious items that are easy to eat for people with advancing age and ensuing teeth and gum problems. To make our society friendly for senior citizens in all aspects, we have a long way to go.