Toward Enabling Winter Occupations: Testing a Winter Coat Designed for Older Adults

• Published in: Canadian journal of occupational therapy (1939) Vol. 78; no. 1; pp. 57 - 64
• Main Authors: Green, Stephanie L., Boger, Jennifer N., Mihailidis, Alex
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; French
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.02.2011; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Aging (Individuals); Assistive Technology; Cold Temperature; Data collection; Design; Equipment Design; Female; Humans; Male; Muscle Strength - physiology; Older Adults; Older people; Physical Health; Pliability - physiology; Population Trends; Product development; Prototypes; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; Seasons; Shoulder - physiology; Social Isolation; Studies; France, Basse-Normandie, Manche; Personnes âgées; Dressing; Activities of daily living; Activités de la vie quotidienne; Winter clothing; Vêtements d'hiver; Aged; Habillage
• ISSN: 0008-4174; 1911-9828
• DOI: 10.2182/cjot.2011.78.1.8

Background. Previous research indicates that older adults have difficulties using winter clothing, which contributes to their risk of isolation during winter. Research has also shown that a winter coat that requires less flexibility, strength, and dexterity would help support this population. Purpose. This pilot study evaluated the measured and perceived effectiveness of a winter coat prototype that had a funnel sleeve design. Methods. Eight older adults trialed three coats (the participant's own coat, a coat fitted with sleeve gripper, and the prototype coat), which were evaluated though shoulder range of motion measurements and by the participant completing a survey. Findings. Less shoulder range of motion was used to put on the prototype coat. Survey findings support range of motion data that Sleeve Gripper has limited utility. Implications. A funnel sleeve design may require less range of motion at the shoulder compared to other coats.