Reflection - Prototype

The main difficulty encountered in the process was finding out if the design consideration - This product must be easy to use. was measurable or not. I felt that the design consideration was very vague and could have referred to many measurements leading to the ease of use such as the length of the walking stick, or it could also have referred to the ease of use itself, which was obviously not measurable.

To overcome the problem, the group discussed and finally settled on the choice - the design consideration was referring to the ease of use itself. Therefore, the answer we came up with was that the consideration was not measurable.

One main takeaway from the lesson would be how to question design considerations to find out if the product was good for the target audience or not. The other takeaway would be the definition of qualitative and quantitative testing.

Elderly Friendly Room

The room is spacious enough for elderlies to be able to move around with ease, as it has little obstruction.

The bed is relatively low, and also has a ramp at the back of it for elderlies to be able to get off the bed easily, with decreased chances of falling or tripping. Furthermore, there is also a ledge built into the wall which the elderly is able to use for support when getting out of bed.

Beside the bed, there is also a small round table which is easily accessible for the elderly, even when they are resting. Therefore, it is much more convenient to take items from atop the table.

The switches are also installed near the bed, such that the elderly do not have to move too far to be able to switch on their lights or fans.

Lastly, the wardrobe in the room is installed in the corner of the room so that it takes up minimal space and will not block the elderly when they move about the room.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 4

I have noticed many public places such as HDB flats and parks have many stairs. This could result in the elderlies tripping over steps and hurting themselves and tiring themselves out quickly when climbing stairs. This could happen especially to the disabled if there are no railings installed. I feel more ramps should be installed, not replacing the stairs but beside them so the risk of accidents happening will be decreased greatly. People on wheelchairs, both elderly and young, will also have much less difficulty moving down or up.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 3

I have noticed that in some HDB flats, the lifts are very cramped and will thus cause elderlies to feel very uncomfortable in the lifts, especially those who are disabled and those who requires wheelchairs to move around. I think lifts should be made such that they are larger to allow more space for movement. There should also be railings which the disabled are able to grip on to for support to prevent themselves from falling.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 2

I noticed that elderly are unable to maintain standing for very long as they will soon get weak. I have also noticed special bum rests on the bus for elderlies to lean on but not in the MRTs. I feel that some railings and bumrests which elderlies can lean on should be installed such that the elderlies will not feel so tired during the ride and will also decrease their chances of falling.

Elderly Challenge - Observation 1

I have noticed that elderly have bad eyesight. I have also noticed that, at the bus stop, the bus numbers shown and the bus stops those buses stop at have very small wording and numbers. The elderly might mistake some bus numbers for another and might end up lost after taking the wrong bus. They might also be unable to read the small wording which states the bus stops which each of the buses stop at. Therefore, they have a great chance of getting lost when using the buses, especially when they are alone, without anyone younger such as their children.

Understanding the 'The Elderly Challenge'

1) Explain in your own words, the 4 key recommendations of the report.

Housing for Seniors : It caters to the lifestyle which an elderly has by reducing cost of land, making it easier for an elderly to get money from home, increases the rental options for an elderly to choose from, increases safety and accessibility, more support services, and more opportunities for seniors to lead healthier lifestyles.

This way, seniors will have less trouble searching for a house to rent or buy and paying of the expenditures. Therefore, they will not feel so burdened by not having enough money to pay off the money they have to pay in order to continue living in that house.

Accessibility for Seniors : Seniors will be able to access more places such as making it easier and cheaper for them to board a bus especially for those which are physically disabled by building places which cater to all. There should also be the least obstruction to make it easier for the elderly wherever they go such as linking two buildings with a walkway.

Seniors will then be able to move about easily in places throughout Singapore. Therefore, it will not be so difficult and tiring for senior citizens to even leave their house and travel short distances.

Caring for Seniors : We can provide the poor elderly with some money so as to reduce their financial burdens and to ensure that they are able to afford healthcare services. The elderly should also have someone such as a family physician to ensure that they get the most appropriate health services in the community itself and care for them well.

Therefore, seniors will feel happier in Singapore as people treat them with care and will find that their lives are easier with less burdens such as financial ones. They will also be much better off with good healthcare services and stand a greater chance of avoiding catching illnesses.

Opportunities for Seniors : Seniors can also participate in more sports by making sure the places in estates cater to people of all ages so it is more convenient for them and they should also be encouraged to lead an active lifestyle. Public awareness of health issues could also be raised among the elderly by holding more programmes which the seniors can attend. Seniors can also be more sociable as more places for them to interact with each other will be made. More volunteering opportunities for seniors should also be given to them to help them have more experience and harness their skills for the community. Seniors should also be given more chances to pursue their interests in learning. Lastly, more books with large print or audio books should be made so that the elderly will have less trouble reading them.

Thus, seniors will have a chance to lead an active, social and healthy lifestyle and can also explore more through books, which they previously could not read as the words were too small. They will also be more aware about their health and it will also contribute to their active lifestyle if they exercise more to be less vulnerable to illnesses.

2) State one way that the CAI report is recommending to make our public housing more elderly-friendly.

The CAI report is recommending to make barrier-free features such as ramps leading to outdoor recreational facilities so that it will be much easier for a senior to move about.

3) State two ways on how we can ensure that the quality of elderly care here in Singapore is affordable.

Firstly, we should take into consideration the initial cost of carrying the idea out. We should then take into consideration what are the consequences of the idea carried out such as if it will cost us more in the future just to maintain it.

4) After reading the CAI report, what are the 3 things that you can do, as an SST student, to help overcome these elderly challenges?

I will encourage my grandparents to go out with their friends more for activities such as brisk walking as this will contribute to both their social and active lifestyles.

I can organise a programme in SST which I will encourage my grandparents to attend to help increase the awareness of issues such as those related to health so that they will know how to take care of themselves well.

Lastly, I will also encourage them to buy some audio books in order to expand their knowledge and maybe increase their general knowledge so they are more aware of what is happening.