Developing Advanced Appliances Control System in Toilet and Bathroom for Aged Generation: FGD Preliminary Findings

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VII, July 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Developing Advanced Appliances Control System in Toilet and Bathroom for Aged Generation: FGD Preliminary Findings

Mohd Rizal Hussain¹, Siti Anom Ahmad¹, Fakhrul Zaman Rokhani¹, Asmidawati Ashari², Mohd Khair Hassan³, Nuzul Azam Haron⁴, Mohd Shahrizal Dolah⁵, Raja Ahmad Azmeer Raja Effendi⁵, Saiful Hasley Ramli^5
1Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor
²Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor
³Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor
⁴Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor
⁵Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor

Abstract – When a person gets old, there are many changes that occur in the aspect of biomechanical features such as bones, joints and muscles which can affect their mobility and strength including reduction in vision and hearing abilities. Thus, this condition will expose them to risk of injuries and accidents. Based on previous studies, toilet and bathroom are identified as the common place where injuries and accidents occur involving older persons. Therefore, in order to create safe and suitable environment for older persons, modifications to products, systems and environments for their daily use should be taken into consideration. Environmental modifications and assistive technology (AT) can compensate for limitations in functional capabilities and thus promoting the well-being and independence of the elderly. In this study, the initial approach is through qualitative methods which was Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Information related to issues and problems, causing factors and suggestions for improvement will be used as an important indicator in the development of relevant systems in this study.

Keywords – older Malaysians, FGD, assistive technology, bathroom, toilet

I. INTRODUCTION

The elderly population in Malaysia is growing rapidly. According to Department of Statistic Malaysia 2018 census indicated that from the total population of 32.38 million, about 3.23 million (9.97%) consist older persons age 60 years and above, where life expectancy at birth for men and women are 72.7 years and 77.4 years respectively. By 2034, the number of seniors is expected to increase to over 5.1 million, making up 15 percent of total population, where Malaysia is expects to reach aged nation status during that time (Chai & Hamid, 2015). This increasing rate is postulated to be due to socio-economic development and public health policy where fertility rates decline and longevity rates increases.

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