Designing for the Life Span Segment 3

Slide 68 Content

Summary Conclusions - Strength and Dexterity Changes:

Older adults generally experience losses in strength and dexterity as their aging progresses - especially beyond the 60th year;
A progressive conversion of muscle to fat occurs over time requiring weight maintenance through exercise and dietary controls;
Fluid in the joints decreases resulting in reduced ranges of motion and flexibility as well as pain - regardless of other pathological conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis;
Natural losses in strength and dexterity are accompanied by the onset of osteo-arthritis that has an early onset for men and women in the 40th year;
Over 70, many older adults will experience significant reductions in grip strength and fingertip "prehension" - making the use of certain tools, utensils and the opening of containers and packages far more difficult.

Summary conclusions about strength and dexterity are...