It helps to put things at waist height minimize reaching easier (essentially apply heuristics from Human Factors Engineering like we do in factories). For example, in her 80s my grandma started keeping a small trash bag on the countertop at waist level so that she doesn’t need to bend as much or walk all the way to the larger kitchen trash while cooking or doing dishes.
Another focus area is weight reduction. For example, buy pints of milk or bottles of water instead of gallons (or transfer from large containers into smaller, reusable ones to help your elders and the environment at the same time).
Recently, my cousin got my grandma an Alexa speaker. He also put a large text note up on the wall next to it with phrases my grandma can use. Stuff like “Alexa, what time is it” or “Alexa, play classical music”. I thought it was silly, but then I realized it’s actually pretty cool. Plus, Alexa games give the great grandkids something fun to do in grandma’s sitting room.
Once people stop driving, grocery delivery can make a big difference.
Think about flooring. My grandma seems to have an easier time on wooden floors than carpet. It’s easier to slide a walker. Of course, if the floor has too much slide that can become a problem.
If you can afford it, a walk in bathtub is a game changer. My grandma is 98 and has used one for 15+ years. Late in life, even a 6-inch step up to a sidewalk curb can be a challenge.
Edit: I bet there’s a YC startup hidden in your question, especially with people investing more in their homes again now that they live and work at home.
It helps to put things at waist height minimize reaching easier (essentially apply heuristics from Human Factors Engineering like we do in factories). For example, in her 80s my grandma started keeping a small trash bag on the countertop at waist level so that she doesn’t need to bend as much or walk all the way to the larger kitchen trash while cooking or doing dishes.
Another focus area is weight reduction. For example, buy pints of milk or bottles of water instead of gallons (or transfer from large containers into smaller, reusable ones to help your elders and the environment at the same time).
Recently, my cousin got my grandma an Alexa speaker. He also put a large text note up on the wall next to it with phrases my grandma can use. Stuff like “Alexa, what time is it” or “Alexa, play classical music”. I thought it was silly, but then I realized it’s actually pretty cool. Plus, Alexa games give the great grandkids something fun to do in grandma’s sitting room.
Once people stop driving, grocery delivery can make a big difference.
Think about flooring. My grandma seems to have an easier time on wooden floors than carpet. It’s easier to slide a walker. Of course, if the floor has too much slide that can become a problem.
If you can afford it, a walk in bathtub is a game changer. My grandma is 98 and has used one for 15+ years. Late in life, even a 6-inch step up to a sidewalk curb can be a challenge.
Edit: I bet there’s a YC startup hidden in your question, especially with people investing more in their homes again now that they live and work at home.