The number of individuals over the age of 65 will double over the next quarter-century. This great upsurge is mainly caused by Baby Boomers. As we all know this new group of Baby Boomers are a more feisty bunch than their predecessors. Along with designing more products for seniors, manufacturers will have to make them a bit more stylish looking too. Baby Boomers have a different mind set than the seniors of the 50s to early 70s. Having the novelty of all the technology in the world today at their disposal “the grannies’ will be rocking this time”.
Boomers will carry their tremendous influence and buying power to pressure businesses and demand more up-to-date and attractive designs. Because of this, the companies that currently design for seniors will have to learn all over again and work with fresh-minded designers as they have had to do in the technological world. Orthopedic shoes will have to look better than the “clown appearance”’ they have now. There are numerous product designs on the market. Here are a few:
OXO/GOOD GRIPS
The OXO/Good Grips products have predisposed culinary product design for everyone not just seniors. The products include non-slip materials molded into pleasant shapes and oversize handles for better grip.
Sam Farber the entrepreneur behind OXO/Good Grips was dismayed by the difficulty his wife had gripping ordinary kitchen tools. Being an arthritis sufferer this was doubly difficult for her. Ergonomic kitchen tools and products are founded on the idea of universally compatible designs. Regardless of someone’s age they find utensils from this manufacture easy and comfortable to work with. Take for instance the OXO 7-Piece Soft Grip Plastic Dry Measuring Cup Set. This sets main color is Black with brightly colored numbers so that measurements are easy to read. The cup handles have malleable grips for easy comfort. The price for this set goes for around $7.99.
CLOSETS FOR SENIORS
Motorized walk in closet systems are great for seniors and the very elderly. With adjustable hanging features (single or double tier hanging track) and specially designed modifiable shoe racks this closet takes the work out of seniors having to constantly reach and move their apparel and accessories about by hand. They are typically called Motorized Closet Organization Systems and prices depend on size. They however do start at about $2400.
WASHROOM AUTOMATION
Automatic faucets, soap dispensers, flushers and towel dispensers etc, are a few innovative or upgraded products that are convenient for seniors and anyone who desires more comfort (and to combat germs) in their everyday washroom facilities. For example a good automatic paper towel dispenser (for home or office) complies with the ADA standards for people with disabilities. This product mostly comes in black and cost approximately $100.
THE COMFORT CAPE
This products is very convenient for wheelchair bound individuals or the disabled. The advantages are that its flexible. An individual can sit upright in their chair instead (like in most cases) the person has to lean their heads back in order for their hair to be washed. Which can lead to stroke for some elderly seniors. The cape can be used anywhere and comes with a 1 year warranty. The capes comes in a medium-blue, black or burgundy color with a price around $60.00.