Reach Envelopes of Older Adults

Abstract

This research concerns arm reach capabilities of the ageing population. In this investigation, “comfortable” and “maximum” standing and sitting, reach envelopes were measured for 627 healthy older adults of 50–94 and 123 younger adults (20–30 year). Each person drew lines corresponding to their “comfortable” and “maximum” reach from standing and sitting position on vertical and horizontal boards, respectively. The lines drawn were video taped and the video tapes were manually digitised at 15 degrees intervals to provide data which may be used by designers to ensure older adults are able to function optimally within the built environment.