A new Niagara College study is putting home builders in the shoes of older adults to help shape the homes of the future.
Members of the Niagara Home Builders Association wore aging simulation suits designed to mimic conditions including arthritis, muscle loss, vision and hearing problems, and even the effects of a stroke.
Participants then tried everyday tasks like getting out of bed, using stairs, picking things up and taking medication.
The hands-on experience is part of a pilot looking at how aging in place and multigenerational living can influence future home design and renovations.
The findings will be shared at the Ontario Homebuilders Conference and Niagara Health Knowledge Institute Research Day, with the College also exploring ways to expand the project to other healthcare professionals who work in patients’ homes.
(Written by: Brandon Warby)