An Approach to Adapt the Product Functionality to the Abilities of Seniors

Elderly people are restricted in their efficiency due to the aging process. Technical systems provide a considerable potential to support the elderly in their domestic environment. It is important, to focus not only on aspects of ergonomics and operability, but the functionality of the products themselves should be stronger in these considerations. To be able to support the designers in their complex development tasks at first typical age-related restrictions and medical conditions from an engineer's point of view will be described in the framework of this presentation, as well as, the influence of the biography on the use of technique will be analyzed. Considering these aspects, an approach for classification and structuring can be derived, in which typical symptoms and their characteristics are related to appropriate product requirements.