Reasons
Many elders have difficulties with everyday functioning that requires modifications to their houses. These are several reasons on why these changes happen:
Motor functioning: In a 2002 study by Min Soo Kang, reported that the elder population in America, 18% will have a disability. This calculates to 51 million Americans who have difficulty in functioning every day. 32% over the age 65 will have difficulty walking which may require use of wheelchairs and canes. To be easier for the elder, some modification that can aid them are wider entrances, grab rails, etc.
Fine motor functioning: Elders will have difficulty using their fingers which can be problematic. As a result, modification of handles, bathroom, etc. can aid with this problem.
Cognitive functioning: Reported in Kochera (2002) that 1 out of 5 people over the age of 55 will have a mental health disorder. Due to the deterioration, the five senses and cognitive capability decrease cause slow response. As a result, fire hazards are not noticed which is important when setting up fire alarms, exits, etc.
Read more about this topic: Aging In Place
Famous quotes containing the word reasons:
“There may be other reasons for a man’s not speaking in publick than want of resolution: he may have nothing to say.”
—Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)
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—Jean Baudrillard (b. 1929)
“I call it our collective inheritance of isolation. We inherit isolation in the bones of our lives. It is passed on to us as sure as the shape of our noses and the length of our legs. When we are young, we are taught to keep to ourselves for reasons we may not yet understand. As we grow up we become the “men who never cry” and the “women who never complain.” We become another generation of people expected not to bother others with our problems.”
—Paula C. Lowe (20th century)