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:
“In looking back over the college careers of those who for various reasons have been prominent in undergraduate life ... one cannot help noticing that these men have nearly always shown from the start an interest in the lives of their fellow students. A large acquaintance means that many persons are dependent on a man and conversely that he himself is dependent on many. Success necessarily means larger responsibilities, and responsibilities mean many friends.”
—Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945)
“She has problems with separation; he has trouble with unity—problems that make themselves felt in our relationships with our children just as they do in our relations with each other. She pulls for connection; he pushes for separateness. She tends to feel shut out; he tends to feel overwhelmed and intruded upon. It’s one of the reasons why she turns so eagerly to children—especially when they’re very young.”
—Lillian Breslow Rubin (20th century)
“It seems to me that we have to draw the line in sibling rivalry whenever rivalry goes out of bounds into destructive behavior of a physical or verbal kind. The principle needs to be this: Whatever the reasons for your feelings you will have to find civilized solutions.”
—Selma H. Fraiberg (20th century)