The Stair Guide – Supporting Active Aging
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed The Stair Guide System (SGS), a novel, ergonomic method to aid ascent and descent of stairs. Designed to work via a sliding mechanism, the SGS can be readily installed into homes as an aid to stair use without blocking the stairway and impeding other users. SGS could support independent living of older people while reducing the risks of falls and other stair related injuries and play a vital role in independent active aging of a growing demographic.
Description
Nearly 60 million Americans are over 65 years of age, and this number is expected to increase to over 80 million in future decades. Navigating stairs becomes increasingly difficult with aging and can result in falls. The impact of these falls can include death, serious injury, and loss of confidence or independence for the older person. Most people wish to maintain their independence and live in their own home as they age, often referred to as “aging in place,” and using aids to safely navigate stairs is vital to this ambition. With just under half of all homes in the USA having at least one flight of stairs, developing an accessible, cost-effective, easy-to-use aid to stair use is crucial to support the aging population. The SGS has the potential to support millions of Americans to live independently at home, reducing demand for care home facilities, encouraging active aging which is known to reduce the risks of several diseases in older people.Applications
• Independent living• Active aging
Advantages
Existing support systems for stairway ascent and descent can vary from intermittently grabbing and releasing a handrail, fully assisted stair lifts or using canes and walkers. These approaches can be unsafe or, in the case of stair lifts, are costly and can inhibit the use of other users. Some other systems require the use of both hands and encourage a kyphotic position while descending the stairs, often leading to a feeling of instability.SGS overcomes many of these shortfalls. Firstly, the SGS encourages upright posture and can be operated using only one arm or hand, allowing users to carry other items up and down stairs. The SGS has been designed using an ergonomic handle and with a novel “hand nub” to be placed between the index finger and thumb to support stability. The height and angle of the handle can vary for ascent and descent to ensure maximum user security along with making the transition on and off from stairs safer. The SGS can be either powered or non-powered increasing the accessibility of this device to many markets.