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Everyday Appliances, Tools, & Devices:  Explorer Discussions

The Impact Theme series: Discussions with Older Adults.

Listen to the audio recordings

Passavant explorers evaluate "TV Ears"

The Test Pilots/Passavant Community Longevity Explorers Circle evaluated the product "TV Ears" at their October 2019 meeting. Here are the results.

Listen to: "Passavant explorers evaluate "TV Ears""

 

TV ears evaluated by Passavant Longevity Explorers

 

Explorers Conceptualize a Better Grabber

In this fun brainstorming session, explorers conceptualize in detail a more versatile 'reacher-grabber' tool than those which are currently available.

Listen to: "Explorers Conceptualize a Better Grabber"

 

grabber

 

Explorers' Field Report on Use of Toenail Clippers

Eskaton Village explorers took home an array of toenail clippers and returned with a report of their findings.

Listen to: "Explorers' Field Report on Use of Toenail Clippers "

 

Toenail Clippers for Older Adults

 

Comparing Jar Openers @ EVC

The Eskaton Village Carmichael Longevity Explorer circle tried out a wide variety of jar openers, and then discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Listen to: "Comparing Jar Openers @ EVC"

 

 

Best Toenail Clippers for Older Adults

Finding the right toenail clippers to work for an older adult has been a recurring discussion topic among circle members. We have narrowed down the array of possible nail clippers and tools to a short list that seem promising for hands-on evaluation. Please check them out and comment.

Listen to: "Best Toenail Clippers for Older Adults"

 

 

Shirley Cites Packaging Conundrums

Explorer Shirley points out that the instructions to use a set of hangers are printed on the back of the package, which must be torn off to open and remove the hangers.

Listen to: "Shirley Cites Packaging Conundrums"

 

Packaging Opener

 

Open X

Explorer Jim introduces the group to a package opener that he finds very helpful for opening plastic or 'clamshell' packaging.

Listen to: "Open X"

 

Open X, package opener

 

I Want More Public Seating Suitable for Older Adults

SF Explorer Shirley decries the paucity of public seating designed to accommodate the special needs of older adults.

Listen to: "I Want More Public Seating Suitable for Older Adults"

 

public seating

 

Touchscreen Gloves

Explorer Lynn tells the group about gloves that need not be removed to operate the touchscreen of many electronic devices.

Listen to: "Touchscreen Gloves"

 

touchscreen gloves

 

Explorers Evaluate Jar Opener Prototype

Saratoga Retirement Village Explorers evaluate a newly invented model jar open

Listen to: "Explorers Evaluate Jar Opener Prototype"

 

jar opener prototype

 

Topic Hub

everyday objects: objects of daily living

Everyday Objects that Improve Life

Improving the design of everyday objects like jar openers, nail clippers, and other household appliances and gadgets can greatly improve the quality of life of older adults as they develop conditions like arthritis, tremors, or other physical and mental limitations that come with age. Together with our Longevity Explorers, we are evaluating products in this "everyday object" category, and sharing what we learn. 

Read: "Everyday Objects that Improve Life"

 

 

About the Impact Theme Series

Our Longevity Explorers (hundreds of older adults with ages ranging from 60-95 years old) meet regularly to discuss topics at the intersection of aging and technology.

Among the many topics we discuss in these meetings, we have been exploring some specific themes which we think are going to be very important for older adults in the future, and which in our opinion are ripe for innovation. These make up our Impact Themes, and Everyday Appliances, Tools, & Devices is one of these themes.

In these discussions:

  • We share how we do things today;
  • We explore and critique existing products;
  • We talk about challenges we have that we wish products could solve; and
  • We dream up product concepts we wish someone like you would develop.

If you are developing products or services for older adults in the category of Everyday Appliances, Tools, & Devices, listen to the Longevity Explorer discussions on this page to get insights about how to develop better products and services for older adults.

More Explorer Discussions

 

Researcher Membership

Some of the discussions require a premium Researcher Membership to listen to the audio recording.

Learn about Premium Researcher Memberships.

Topics (broader coverage of this theme): 
Dressing, Grooming, Cooking, Food, Helping elderly parents, Lifestyle, Using Technologies