Older adults often require additional support when performing daily activities such as standing up, sitting down, and posture transitions due to age-related declines in balance and muscle strength. However, the acceptance of medical-style handrails in residential environments remains low. In everyday life, older adults tend to intuitively rely on nearby household furniture as sources of support. This study employs scenario-based observation to examine the actual use of residential furniture as substitutes for handrail functions. The participants consisted of 5 older adults who were observed during sit-to-stand and posture transition activities in simulated daily living scenarios. The locations of support, types of furniture used, and modes of interaction were documented. In addition, expert questionnaire feedback was collected to evaluate the potential risks associated with using furniture as support. The results indicate that when performing sit-to-stand or posture transition activities near seating areas, older adults frequently used adjacent furniture, such as chair sides and table edges, as immediate support, thereby functioning similarly to handrails. These furniture elements were often selected due to their proximity and intuitive usability; however, their structural characteristics and dimensions are not specifically designed to provide support and may therefore pose potential safety risks. The findings reflect older adults’ real-life residential behaviors and may serve as preliminary references for future age-friendly residential space planning and furniture-integrated assistive design.

Authors:
Shan Ni Li, National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan
Tung-Ming Lee, National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
My name is Shanni Li, and I am currently a master’s student in the Institute of Innovation Design, Department of Industrial Design at National Taipei University of Technology.My primary research focus is the supportive functions of furniture.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

Bookmark