Design modularity in the assistive devices for the elderly people

Abstract

India although has the largest numbers of young people, numbers of elderly people are also increasing. However with aging, human being starts losing their physical prowess and ability to take care of themselves. Various assistive devices have been already designed and manufactured outside the country so far for the elderly people. These assistive devices enable them to be self-dependent in carrying out their daily tasks. One of the very useful assistive devices for elderly with mobility impairment is a powered wheelchair, controlled manually and automatically in special cases but except providing mobility it cannot solve other problems associated with an elderly person. Every elderly person has different disabilities and adding each feature will only increase its cost. This paper deals with various issues of disability in the elderly people and incorporating modularity in the assistive to provide mass customization.