The Needs and Design of Home Mobility Assistance for the Elderly from the Perspective of Lifestyle

To improve the quality of life for the elderly, it is necessary to consider the human-centered home design to alleviate the aging process. The design of this study is divided into two stages. In the first stage, five sub-healthy seniors were interviewed as the interviews, and the home lifestyle of the seniors was observed. The design direction was based on the user’s journey mapping and the selection of the home mobility assistants. In the second stage, experts were interviewed and evaluated the converged demand for mobile products regarding usability, functionality, and pleasure. Finally, a prototype of a mobility product that better meets the expectations of the elderly and their usage scenarios was proposed. The results showed that: (1) Single-function assistive devices cannot fully satisfy the needs of the elderly in their daily lives; (2) The design features of mobility aids include mobility wheels with friction, pause tables, some types of handles, and designs that are integrated into the home; (3) Resisting the use of assistive devices, most of the existing furniture or objects as a supplement. Mobility handrail is a necessary living aid for the physically deteriorating elderly to assist them in their home life. It improves their safety at home, alleviates the deterioration of the elderly’s muscle atrophy, and considers their psychological feelings. The design of assistive devices for the elderly should be considered to maintain their dignity, reduce their resistance to the aids, and enhance the acceptance of their use.