Changes in the Physical Abilities of the Elderly and the Effect These Have on Their Clothing Requirements

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to acquire data on the changes in the physical ability of the elderly due to the aging process and to improve the standard of clothing in relation to those changes. A questionnaire was administered to 971 subjects in five age groups (60, 65, 70, 75, 80) for each sex. The mean scale value for each question was calculated. Hayashi's Quantification Method III was applied to 24 physical functions related to the subjects' ability to get dressed and undressed. The following results were found: 1) When the elderly reach eighty, roughly 25% of them experience some difficulty in dressing and undressing, with 70% of the men and 95% of the women preferring loose-fitting elastic waist bands. 2) The structures obtained using Q III for 48 sample scores were calculated on the I and II Axes. Those of the elderly indicated a clear U-shape. With regard to criterion validity, a correlation was discovered between the age of the subjects and their scores. This means that as the age of the subjects increases, their ability to easily dress and undress themselves decreases. Such criteria has produced useful data in respect of designing garments for the elderly. 3) Elderly women produced much higher scores than elderly men. 4) Once they exceed the age of seventy, the elderly begin to experience difficulties getting dressed and undressed. It is clear that clothing which is easier to put on and remove must be developed. 5) People in their eighties experience more difficulties than those in their seventies, due to decreasing physical ability, especially shoulder flexibility and increasing joint pain. They prefer loose-fitting elastic waist bands as small buttons and snaps are difficult to work with. The most stable way of putting on socks was from the sitting position. It is clear, therefore, that special clothing should be designed and manufactured for this age group. (Received November 26, 2004; Accepted in revised form April 11, 2005)