Ergonomic Approaches for the Well-Being of the Elderly: Integrative Review
Keywords:
Ergonomics, Movement optimization, Environmental design, Housing adaptation, Older adult well-beingAbstract
Ergonomics is a scientific discipline that examines the interaction between humans and their environments, with the aim of optimizing both performance and quality of life. It systematically applies principles that align human capabilities and mobility constraints with environmental design. As individuals age, they experience progressive declines in physiological and cognitive functions, increasing their susceptibility to accidents and highlighting the need for appropriate support systems. This integrative review synthesizes evidence from scholarly databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Thai academic repositories, covering publications from 2000 to 2024. The review employed keywords related to ergonomics, aging, and holistic well-being. The analysis identifies three essential ergonomic components that significantly impact the optimal performance and functions of older adults. First, biomechanical and functional mobility considerations address postural stability, dynamic equilibrium regulation, transitions between foundational body positions (e.g., sit to stand), load-handling mechanics (lifting/carrying), and ambulation safety protocols. Second, contextual environmental determinants encompass illumination adequacy, chromatic contrast optimization for visual accessibility, acoustic regulation, particulate-free ventilation parameters, and thermal equilibrium maintenance. Third, architectural ergonomic elements focus on habitation design features, such as spatially optimized configurations in sanitary facilities, sleeping quarters, culinary zones, and communal spaces, which integrate ergonomic spatial configurations to enhance accessibility while ensuring safety for independent mobility. The integrated application of these ergonomic principles has been shown to reduce the risk of falls, enhance functional autonomy, and promote holistic well-being across physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions. This paper provides specific, evidence-based recommendations for healthcare providers, architectural professionals, and caregivers to implement ergonomic strategies that support a sustainable and high-quality life for the aging population.
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