Practical Implementation of an Innovative Design Aimed at Increasing Enthusiasm for Exercise Among the Elderly

Abstract

The experience of old age differs greatly from individual to individual. Some people are able to maintain active social lives and travel widely, while others may be confined to their beds for long periods with no one to talk to. During the aging process, muscle loss occurs at a faster rate compared to the decline of other organ functions, and without adequate muscle strength, the bone joints will be subjected to more stress, leading to the frequent occurrence of inexplicable back pain and, eventually, sarcopenia. For elderly individuals, this decline in muscle strength will bring inconveniences; affect their health, mobility, and quality of life; and increase their risk of falling. However, research has shown that sarcopenia is reversible and that exercise can halt muscle loss. Furthermore, it is also possible to regain one’s muscle mass through training. Given these findings, our study utilized a user-oriented design and the scenario method to develop a course structure based around problem-based learning and the topical objective of increasing enthusiasm for exercise among elderly individuals. Students were guided to adopt a user perspective in developing potential innovative designs for the future, and scenario-based simulations were performed to analyze the interactional relationships between people and products, assess adherence to design themes. The study revealed that the empathy mapping allowed the students to think from other perspectives that facilitated their understanding of the elderly’s pain points and needs, and that the visual scenario method was effective in promoting consensus among team members and expanding the diversity of ideas, leading to the quick development of innovative designs.