Aesthetics Model Applied for Older Adults: Daily Life Assistive Device Study

Abstract

Aims

Assistive devices play a vital role in improving the quality of life for older adults. However, the effectiveness and utilization of these devices depend on their functionality, expressiveness, and aesthetics. In this study, we aim to enhance the aesthetics of assistive devices to increase their utilization rates and reduce the psychological distress experienced by older adults.

Methods

A quantitative and qualitative survey was conducted (a) to create a basic prototype for the conceptual framework of this study to discuss the relationship between the functional, expressive, and aesthetic elements of the auxiliary equipment and (b) to extract and construct aesthetic elements and modes of the auxiliary equipment.

Results

Asthetics was found to be a major reason for the use or abandonment of assistive devices. This study focuses on “product aesthetics” and considers materials and aesthetics simultaneously.

Conclusions

The results indicate the design of assistive devices for older adults should incorporate craft aesthetics characteristics.

Keywords:

• Craft aesthetics
• daily life assistive devices
• assistive devices
• popular crafts
• older adult

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the support for this research provided by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (TW) No. 105-2410-H-182 -012 -. The authors also wish to thank the various students who designed the products presented in this paper, especially Chia-Cheng, Chang and Wen-Zhi, Chen.

Authors’ contributions

Wei Chen Chang and Han Dred Wang performed the experiment. Wei Chen Chang and Wan-Tzu Lin wrote the manuscript, and Chia-Cheng Chang fabricated the daily life assistive device sample. Wen-Zhi, Chen helped supervise the project. Wei Chen Chang and Han Dred Wang conceived the original idea.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available on websites named e.g., “Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development” and “Ministry of Interior.”

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper. The authors would also like to acknowledge that the financial support of this paper was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (TW) under No. 105-2410-H-182 − 012 -.

Statement of ethics

I will conduct myself with integrity, fidelity, and honesty. I will openly take responsibility for my actions and only make agreements that I intend to keep. I will not intentionally engage in or participate in any form of malicious harm to another person or animal. The certification for National Taiwan University Hospital No. 201605ES087

Additional information

Funding

The authors would also like to acknowledge that the financial support of this paper was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (TW) under No. 105-2410-H-182 − 012 -.