PROCESSO DE ENVELHECIMENTO E SEUS IMPACTOS SOBRE OS REQUISITOS DE DESEMPENHO ERGONÔMICO

ABORDAGEM TEÓRICA E METODOLÓGICA

Abstract

The normal aging process entails biological, physiological, and psychological changes that impact the interaction between individual and space, influencing the way how environmental stimuli are received and interpreted, as well as the reactions to these stimuli. As user’s ages, there are alterations in ergonomic performance requirements; therefore, adaptations in physical environment are necessary to guarantee safety, comfort and autonomy of elderly. This article presents a method for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of residential spaces according to the needs resulting from aging. Its development was based on normative aspects and on studies on aging, accessibility, Universal Design and housing for elderly users. The method application allows the identification of adequacies and inadequacies of the physical environment according to aging, as a fundament to develop intervention projects.