Dataset 'Nederlandse ouderen'
- code: geron1998
- measure date: 1993 - 1998
- publication date: 1998
- type: empiric
In a national study 750 subjects, who lived independently, were assessed. In total about 80 variables, all more or less important for product use, were measured. The sample consisted of four age groups ranging from 50 to over 80 years of age; a group of young people (20 - 30 years) was also studied for the purpose of comparison. Women and men participated in about equal numbers. The variables covered a variety of human characteristics, such as body and limb measurements, maximum forces exerted, speed of movements, eye-hand co-ordination, etc., as well as their seeing, hearing and feeling capacities and certain aspects of memory. In addition, a questionnaire was used to probe the problems experienced with various products.
The scientific part of this study consisted of a survey of how characteristics differ between the age groups, c.q. generations, studied. Some variables proved to deteriorate earlier and some later in life, and some hardly at all. The theory that the ageing process means a slow increase in the differences between people, i.e. individualization, is confirmed. The ageing process also implies a decrease in the level of capacities: older people exhibit a growing tendency to resemble weaker young people. In most respects, however, differences between people are influenced more by sex than by age. These general rules can provide inspiration for product innovators.
The design-oriented part of this study is found mainly in the "yellow pages". This part contains the graphs and tables, the statistical parameters and some hints on how to use them. Design guidelines can also be found there, examples of products or components and their ergonomic, gerontotechnological points of interest. This part is meant especially for professionals who innovate, design or judge durable goods for daily life. These data can serve as checks during product development, can provide inspiration for new ‘transgenerational designs’, i.e. products fit for the younger and the older people in our society or special products for the elderly.
The 'Geron Group' of the Subfaculty of Industrial Design Engineering of the Delft University of Technology offers this 'databank' to designers and evaluators of products for contemplation, application, improvement and / or augmentation.
Application of the results of this publication will also be carried out in co-operation with
CVO (Centre for Ageing Research) - TNO at Leyden.
- people: C.E.M. van Beijsterveldt, J.M.Dirken (Project leader), J.J.Houtkamp, J.F.M.Molenbroek, L.P.A. Steenbekkers, A.I.M.Voorbij
- book: L.P.A. Steenbekkers, C.E.M. van Beijsterveldt (eds), J.M.Dirken, J.F.M.Molenbroek, A.I.M.Voorbij and J.J.Houtkamp
Design-relevant characteristics of ageing users , Delft University Press 1998 (per 1-1-2006 IO-Press Amsterdam)
- more information on: Design-relevant characteristics of ageing users
Data are also integrated in the book Older Adults from the University of Nottingham at the PSTG group on:
www.virart.nott.ac.uk