What to measure? Review of measurements in anthropometric studies of elderly populations

摘要

Background: Anthropometric studies of elderly populations have been undertaken in a number of countries in response to the increasing proportion of the elderly and promotion of inclusive approaches to design - sometimes called 'design for all'. Aim: This study is a review of selected anthropometric studies of the elderly with a focus on comparing what measurements were included in the studies, rather than on the actual data collected. It is essentially a literature review undertaken in the planning phase for a new anthropometric survey. Method: A literature search was undertaken and selected studies compared and discussed. Results and conclusions: A variety of different approaches to providing anthropometric data for design applications are revealed. Also evident is the need for care in selecting and defining measurements, so that data can be compared between studies.