2278 Experiencing Aging to Enhance Design Solutions

Publication date: June 2018 Source:Journal of Transport & Health, Volume 9, Supplement Author(s): Deana McDonagh, Andree Woodcock Healthy aging is defined by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as the “development and maintenance of optimal physical, mental and social well-being and function in older adults.” Healthy aging is likely to be achieved when physical environments and communities are safe, and support the adoption and maintenance by individuals of attitudes and behaviors known to promote health and well-being, and by the effective use of health services and community programs to prevent or minimize the impact of acute and chronic disease on function (Satariano et al., 2012: 3). Our demographics are changing and accessible transport is a critical contributory factor for all generations of our community, especially for elders. Satariano et al. (2012) identified at least 4 public health burdens associated with limited or restricted mobility in older populations. 1, limitations in walking and driving reduce access to goods and services, which leads to poor health outcomes; 2, Limited mobility is independently associated with health problems and injuries; 3, older adults with mobility difficulties are less likely to have regular social contacts; 4, older adults without access to different forms of mobility are less able to take part in civic life, adversely affecting both themselves and their community. Designers have a key role to play in ensur...
Source: Journal of Transport and Health - Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research