Mobilistrictor
The Third Age
Third Age is a European concept that refers to people over the age of 55. In the UK, the average age of the general population is getting older. According to statistics there are now more people over the age of 65 than are under 25 for the first time. More than a third of the population is over 50.
There is a reduction in muscle strength of around 25% by the age of 65 in most people. More than 70% of hospital patients are over the age of 65. More than 9 million people in the UK suffer from arthritis (not all of them elderly). declining faculties affet most people as they age, for example general mobility, visual acuity and hearing.
The Mobilistrictor™ : Third Age suit is an empathy suit that can simulate some of the effects of ageing. People wearing the suit are able to gain a better appreciation of the difficulties encountered as people grow older.
"Help the Aged welcomes the development of this suit. Design has traditionally favoured the fit and able, excluding people with disabilities or poor health.
The suit is a valuable and practical way of enabling designers and architects to personally understand the often painful challenges faced by millions of people with restricted mobility. Two thirds of hospital patients are over the age of 65. It's absolutely essential that hospitals are designed to help, rather than hinder older patients. This suit will hopefully go some way to increase professional understanding and develop new design to support older people in hospital".
Mervyn Kohler, Head of Public Affaires at Help the Aged
