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As individual grows older he come across to physical problems, less finances and that too get diverted more towards additional medical cost and proper food and low key social status and roles. They spend less on their clothing although it is a basic necessity. Also, physiological changes affect the body responsiveness towards the specific environments and create problem of comfort, fit and function related to clothing. They prefer wearing garments that have been in their wardrobes since a long time rather than changing their garment with fashion. If they have to go for new clothes, they go for durable, versatile and conservative clothing.
Although number of styles are available in market today according to the needs of elderly but still they prefer tailormade or home made clothes. So while designing or selecting clothes for elderly, one should give consideration to their physical characteristics first followed by their emotional and social status.
Guidelines/suggestions for clothing of elderly
Neat and clean clothing that fits well gives a feel of confidence to the wearer. Elder people like clothing that is easy to put on and take off by themselves or with someone’s help because many times they have trouble in raising their arms, bending or leaning. Clothing that is chosen with function in mind allows more comfortable movement in daily activities. While choosing the clothes for elders the wearer’s physical condition, the frequency of changing, required convenience of changing, and cost should be kept in mind. The selected or stitched clothes should always be such that they bring dignity to the wearer, ease the pain of dressing, and save the time and frustration of caregiver. The guidelines/suggestions for clothing of elderly are as follows:
- use/ select soft and non irritating cloth materials for elderly clothing; stretchable materials will offer better comfort and cotton or cotton blends are better
- colors should be bright and cheerful, for providing better sense of health and well being; choose printed fabrics for elderly women and solid subdued colours for men
- clothes of classic styles should be designed to prevent friction sores or bruising; full yoke with pleats and gathers that permit smooth shoulder and spinal movement should be preferred; loose salwar kameez offer better ease of wearing to older women than saree and loose t- shirt and ghagra offer more ease of wearing and movements during summer season; wrap styles are more comfortable
- round and V-shape large necklines should be used to cover and accommodate slant structure of the elderly persons; large necklines and easily identifiable front and back necklines
- body concealing clothes with long sleeves; length of sleeves can vary from ¾ to full sleeves; elders prefer dresses with raglan sleeves rather than set in sleeves and wider sleeves allow greater ease of movement
- waistlines should be loose enough to expand when the person is seated; pants with elastic waistbands offer better comfort
- large button and fasteners instead of small one’s as these are easier to work with; velcro will be an efficient option for those having less finger mobility
- pockets in tailored dress are most desired feature in elder clothing to carry belonging; loose front pockets are more accessible
- winters clothing should include loose woolen sweaters for men and women with large neck and warm head coverings (caps/ bands for ear cover/ mufflar); cardigans offer better comfort than pullovers in wearing
- tube socks are easier to put on, because they have no heels
- shoes and slippers should have good fitting to allow safe mobility
- shoes with velcro closures allow proper width adjustment and thus prevents swelling
- front fastening bras should be used, if required otherwise a cotton vest should be used; not wearing a bra/ vest may lead to soreness and discomfort at bust level
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Participants