Enhancing Healthy Lifestyle through Mealtime Independence for the Elderly

Abstract

Health for the elderly is a paramount concern in our rapidly ageing society, where individuals often grapple with physical challenges that impede their independence. This study explores the vital role of ergonomically designed assistive cutlery in enhancing the quality of life for seniors with upper limb impairments. Through a comprehensive survey involving 78 elderly with various upper limb impairments in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, we examined their experiences and the inadequacies of the present assistive cutleries, which often fail to provide the necessary comfort and autonomy during meals. The findings indicate that many elderly individuals struggle with grip strength and functionality, leading to feelings of frustration and dependency. In addition, a systematic review was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines, screening 469 publications and identifying 32 relevant studies. This effort resulted in proposing enhanced ergonomic design guidelines from various databases in recent years, compiling them into a single comprehensive set. Moreover, the mealtime experience is essential for ensuring that older adults receive adequate nutritional intake. By identifying specific design requirements based on user feedback and prioritizing functionality alongside aesthetics, this resource aims to assist health professionals, designers, and policymakers in emphasizing the importance of tailored ergonomic solutions that cater to the diverse needs of elderly individuals with upper limb impairments, ensuring that assistive devices can effectively contribute to public health outcomes and the sustainable development of healthcare systems for ageing populations