Readiness of elders to use assistive devices to maintain their independence in the home

With an increasing proportion of the population surviving into old age, it is important that as many people as possible are enabled to maintain their health and independence. Assistive devices, a term that encompasses all products which ‘compensate, relieve or neutralise’ a person's impairments [1, p80], are known to improve independence. The actual number who could benefit from any particular device is difficult to determine, but the proportion increases with age. However, the degree to which elders become aware of assistive devices and their benefits, how they feel such devices fit with their lifestyle and image, and how ready they are to acquire and use them is not well known. The aims of this study were: To explore the current use and intention to use assistive devices in a cohort of 72-82 year olds. To gain information that will inform future research aimed at exploring ways to increase appropriate uptake of assistive devices.