Anthropometric Data of Older Malaysians
Abstract
With a rapidly growing older population in Malaysia, there is an urgent need in determining reference values that meet the minimum requirements for designing an ergonomically friendly home environment for the elderly. A comfortable, safe and satisfactory match between the artefact and the elderly can be achieved if such reference values are available. A study was conducted to develop an anthropometric database of older Malaysians to be used as a standard reference in designing the home for the elderly. This paper presents some of the anthropometric data obtained and highlights the design implications for an elderly friendly home environment and the potential use of the anthropometric data. Thirty-nine anthropometric body dimensions were measured and recorded for 230 respondents aged 60 years and over in five urban locations (Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, Ampang and Johor Bahru). Respondents consisted of 129 males (56.1 %) and 101 females (43.9%), with a mean age of 67 years. With the availability of anthropometric dimensions of the elderly, better home environments can be designed for older Malaysians in the population. Asia Pac J Public Health 2006;18(SuppL): 35-41.