Project Briefing: “Support for the Russian elderly“

The problem of poor eyesight among the elderly in Russia goes beyond a simple inconvenience; it is a serious threat to both their safety and quality of life. This is an issue that requires our attention and active action.

The statistics are relentless:

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of older people in Russia face age-related vision changes. This is a figure that highlights the scale of the problem.
• The risk of falls in elderly people with poor eyesight increases 2-3 times compared to people with normal eyesight. This is a serious threat, as falls can lead to serious injuries.
• The consequences of falls can be very serious, including the need for hospitalization, and in some cases can even lead to death.
• The loss of independence and independence is a huge stress for the elderly, which negatively affects both their psychological and physical condition.

Why did we choose this particular problem?

• Relevance: The aging process of the population in Russia is inevitable, and the problem of poor eyesight in older people is becoming more urgent every year, affecting an increasing number of people.
• Humanity: We strive to improve the quality of life of older people, striving to make their lives more comfortable and safe.
• Social significance: The development of a functional and comfortable walking stick that can help elderly people with poor eyesight is of great social importance, as it promotes their integration into public life.

Target audience

• Grandparents:
  • We focus on people aged 65 and older who suffer from visual impairment.
  • These people value traditional values, comfort and self-care, but at the same time strive to remain independent and active participants in life.

Grandparents with poor eyesight face a number of difficulties in daily life that can significantly affect their quality of life. Here are some of them:

1. Navigation and movement: Poor eyesight makes it difficult to move around familiar and unfamiliar places. This can lead to frequent falls and injuries, as well as a fear of going outside.
2. Reading and perceiving information: Difficulties reading newspapers, books, prescriptions or medical appointments can cause problems obtaining the necessary information. It can also lead to dependence on other people.
3. Using household appliances: Using televisions, phones, computers and other appliances can be difficult. Small buttons and screens can be difficult to read.
4. Cooking: Poor eyesight can make the cooking process difficult, including slicing food, controlling cooking time and determining the condition of dishes.
5. Self-care: Difficulties with personal hygiene and self-care, such as dressing, applying makeup or cutting nails.
6. Social interactions: Limited ability to see faces and expressions of emotions can make it difficult to communicate with friends and family, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
7. Participation in public life: Participation in activities such as going to theaters, concerts, or even walking in the park may be limited for fear of getting lost or not seeing the details.
8. Safety concerns: Difficulties in recognizing potential hazards such as stairs, uneven surfaces, or transportation can increase the risk of accidents.
9. Dependence on others: The need for help from relatives or social workers can cause feelings of helplessness and loss of independence.
10. Emotional Difficulties: Encountering impaired vision can cause stress, anxiety and depression, which exacerbates general health problems.

Support from family, friends, and society in general can significantly improve the quality of life of older people with poor eyesight.

The need to improve the cane:

• The vast majority of respondents (85%) confirmed that traditional canes do not always meet their needs and believe that the cane can be more functional and comfortable.
• Vision problems as the main factor: The majority of survey participants (70%) noted that poor eyesight is the main problem they face in everyday life.
• Expectations from the cane: Improved visibility: Older people want a walking stick to help them navigate better, especially in poorly lit areas.
  • Increased safety: They expect the cane to signal the approach of obstacles and help them avoid falls.
  • Functionality: They want the cane to be not just a support, but a tool that makes their lives easier.
    Attitude towards new technologies: The majority of respondents (65%) have a positive attitude towards the use of new technologies in walking sticks, if these technologies are easy to use and really make life easier.
• Design: Older people appreciate not only the functionality, but also the appearance of the cane. It is important for them that the cane does not look “old-fashioned”, but is modern and attractive.

The history of the cane
The cane is not just a tool; it is a symbol with deep historical roots.

• In the ancient world, canes were used not only as supports for movement, but also as weapons and a symbol of power.
• In the Middle Ages, the cane became one of the important attributes of the nobility, emphasizing the status of its owner.
• In the 19th century, the cane gained wide popularity among the elderly and people with disabilities, becoming an integral part of their daily lives.

A modern cane
Modern canes have become more functional and comfortable, but they often do not meet the needs of modern elderly people.

• Traditional canes are not always able to solve the problem of poor eyesight, leaving users in a vulnerable position.
• The lack of additional functions limits the use of the cane as a tool to ensure safety and comfort.
• The design and aesthetics of the cane are also often not taken into account, which can scare off older users.
• A new generation cane: We strive to create a cane that will become not just a support, but a comprehensive solution that helps elderly people with poor eyesight to remain active and independent.

A challenge for designers

• It is necessary to create a prototype of a cane that will meet all the specified requirements of the project.
• An important part of the task is to develop a design that will be attractive to older people and emphasize both modernity and functionality of the cane.