Functional Adaptation and Emergent User Solutions in Domestic Tasks: Supporting Aging in Place Through a Field Study on Design Challenges Among Older Adults in Chile
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Design
2.2. Participants and Sampling
2.3. Data Collection Techniques
- Non-participant direct observation (n = 11): Real-time observations of domestic tasks were conducted in participants’ homes. A structured protocol was used, including photographic records, a chronological description of the phases of each activity, and notes on tools used, body movements, and identified barriers. This technique allows researchers to document behaviors in context without intervening in the activity [31]. The observation sheet included predefined fields to record object use, spatial limitations, and body strategies.
- In-depth case studies (n = 9): A context-sensitive observation guide was used, accompanied by field notes, spatial sketches, and documentation of informal adaptations. This method helped capture the symbolic and emotional dimensions of domestic routines [37].
2.4. Data Analysis
- Open reading and initial coding [39];
- Grouping of categories around central phenomena;
- Identification of causal conditions, consequences, and action/interaction strategies.
2.5. Ethical Considerations and Data Availability
- Common Phases refer to recurring temporal segments or stages that organize how older adults approach domestic tasks (e.g., preparation, execution, and closure). These phases were used to understand the procedural logic of everyday routines.
- Key Elements describe the material, spatial, and relational components that are critical to task execution and adaptation—such as specific tools, body postures, surfaces, or interactions with others.
- Contextual Variations account for differences across participants due to personal characteristics, household configurations, or socio-spatial conditions and highlight how adaptations are shaped by local contingencies.
3. Results
3.1. Cooking: Preliminary Findings
3.1.1. Common Phases Identified
- Planning and organization: preparing ingredients, cleaning surfaces, and arranging utensils.
- Preparation: washing, peeling, chopping, mixing—techniques varied depending on the dish (e.g., sautéing, boiling, kneading).
- Cooking and monitoring: managing timing using clocks or intuition, stirring, and handling heat sources.
- Cleanup and closure: washing dishes, storing leftovers, and cleaning surfaces.
3.1.2. Key Elements
- Structured planning: Some participants anticipated steps and even prepared ingredients a day in advance (e.g., soaking beans), reducing both cognitive and physical demands.
- Informal adaptations and support: Pressure cookers, timers, and help from family members were common in physically demanding tasks such as cutting squash.
- Physical strain and risks: Cooking involved standing, walking, bending, lifting, and repetitive hand movements, contributing to fatigue and the fall risk.
- Symbolic and emotional dimension: Cooking was not only a functional task but also an act of care and continuity, linked to personal and cultural identity.
3.1.3. Contextual Differences
- Most participants used traditional kitchen layouts, but small spaces and high shelves created ergonomic barriers.
- Conventional utensils were dominant; ergonomic tools were rare or improvised (e.g., long-handled wooden spoons) (Figure 4).
3.2. Dishwashing: Preliminary Findings
3.2.1. Common Phases
- Collecting and organizing dirty dishes.
- Washing with sponges or steel wool.
- Rinsing and placing items in a drying rack.
- Drying and storing clean items.
- Cleaning the workspace.
3.2.2. Key Elements
- Sequential structure: Participants tended to wash less greasy items first and left the pots and pans for last, thereby optimizing effort and water use.
- Accessible resources and spontaneous adaptation: Traditional tools were used with minimal assistive technologies. Some reused water or used it for watering plants, reflecting environmental awareness.
- Physical demands and risks: Prolonged standing, repetitive arm motions, and slippery surfaces contributed to fatigue and posed fall risks.
- Symbolic value of order and care: Maintaining a clean kitchen fostered a sense of control and dignity, reinforcing independence.
3.2.3. Contextual Differences
- Availability and usability of hot water systems varied. Some participants needed to manually ignite gas water heaters (calefonts) located outside the kitchen or on patios, which introduced delays, physical strain, and safety concerns—especially during colder months or for those with reduced mobility. In contrast, others had automated or centrally located systems that facilitated seamless access to hot water during dishwashing.
- Ergonomic limitations due to sink and counter dimensions were common. Households with small sinks or limited counter space reported greater physical effort and awkward postures when washing and rinsing dishes. These spatial constraints led to adaptations such as using additional basins, shifting tasks to other surfaces, or reducing washing frequency (Figure 5).
3.3. Waste Disposal: Preliminary Findings
3.3.1. Common Phases
3.3.2. Key Elements
3.3.3. Contextual Variations
- Organized routine: Trash was consolidated before leaving the home, bags were tied securely, and containers were immediately replaced—demonstrating attention to hygiene and routine.
- Physical demands and movement: Tasks included lifting, navigating stairs or ramps, and walking long distances (up to 90 m). Barriers included weather conditions and irregular outdoor surfaces.
- Environmental usability: Participants often used carts, bags with handles, or improvised tools to reduce physical effort—highlighting mismatches between physical demands and available product design.
- Emotional dimension: Successfully completing this task provided a sense of order, pride, and satisfaction. Some participants also sorted recyclables or planned efficient disposal trips.
3.4. Cross-Activity Synthesis: Patterns and Contrasts
- Time management: Tasks were strategically distributed throughout the day in alignment with energy levels and pain cycles. For example, one participant cooked in the morning when standing was more tolerable, and they postponed dishwashing until the late afternoon. Similarly, waste disposal was often delayed until other errands justified leaving the house.
- Spatial adaptation: Participants adjusted their use of space to enhance comfort or compensate for environmental limitations. In kitchens with limited counter space, some repurposed nearby tables for food preparation. In homes with small sinks, participants used washbasins to rinse dishes or rearranged dish-drying areas. One participant with poor lighting in the dishwashing area relocated the task to a better-lit part of the home.
- Task delegation: When tasks exceeded physical capacity—such as lifting heavy waste bags or scrubbing pots—participants often relied on neighbors, family members, or domestic helpers. This delegation was typically framed not as dependency but as a rational allocation of effort.
- Improvised solutions: Many participants employed creative, low-cost adaptations to ease task demands. Examples include using kitchen tongs to handle hot lids, storing cleaning supplies in mobile containers, or placing cushions on chairs to reduce the strain during prolonged preparation tasks.
- Waste disposal: Marked by environmental barriers and physical demands.
- Dishwashing: Characterized by posture control, fatigue management, and symbolic notions of order and cleanliness.
- Cooking: Closely tied to cultural identity, care roles, and emotional fulfillment
4. Discussion
4.1. Implications
4.1.1. Product Design
4.1.2. Functional Health Promotion
4.1.3. Public Policy
4.2. Limitations and Future Research
- Integrating mixed methods that combine qualitative data with functional assessments or sensor-based monitoring.
- Conducting longitudinal studies to understand how adaptive strategies evolve over time and across different stages of aging.
- Comparing urban and rural environments, or including older adults with varying levels of dependency, to capture broader contextual variation.
- Developing and validating assessment tools that measure functionality, usability, and maintenance of household objects from both gerontological and design perspectives.
- Exploring the relationship between task duration, perceived effort, and autonomy, to better inform design and care strategies that reduce energy costs without undermining participation.
5. Conclusions
Supplementary Materials
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Theme | Description | Exemplar Quote |
---|---|---|
Temporal Redistribution | Adjusting the timing or pacing of tasks to match energy levels or reduce strain. | “I cook in the morning when I feel stronger; in the evening I just heat things up”. |
Ergonomic Adaptation | Modifying the posture or workspace or using supports to reduce physical effort. | “I keep a stool near the sink so I can sit while doing the dishes”. |
Improvised Solutions | Using household objects in creative or unconventional ways to solve problems. | “I use a plastic bottle as a funnel because my hands don’t grip well anymore”. |
Symbolic Meaning of Routines | Performing tasks that reinforce identity, autonomy, or personal satisfaction. | “Cleaning the kitchen makes me feel good, like everything is in its place again”. |
Activity | Adaptation Type | Strategy | Design Insight/Possible Solution |
---|---|---|---|
Cooking | Temporary | Using a stool while preparing meals | Adjustable-height stools with ergonomic back support and anti-slip bases |
Spatial | Locating all utensils within reach | Modular storage systems with easy-access drawers for essential items | |
Technological | Using electric kettles or microwaves to preheat water or soften food, reducing manual effort | Design intuitive, low-effort devices with large buttons, visible indicators, and automatic shut-off for safety and ease of use | |
Social | Seeking help from a family member | Visual instructions on appliance use to support intergenerational assistance | |
Washing | Temporary | Seated bathing | Foldable bath stools with drainage design and anti-tip structure |
Spatial | Moving the washing machine closer | Compact, front-loading machines with wall-mounted controls | |
Technological | Handheld shower head | Ergonomic, pressure-adjustable showerheads with magnetic holders | |
Social | Seeking help from a family member | Labels and flowcharts for simple task sharing in shared spaces | |
Taking Out the Trash | Temporary | Placing the bag on a chair | Wheeled trash bag support stands with adjustable height |
Spatial | Placing the bin near the door | Indoor-to-outdoor transition carts for trash, weather-resistant | |
Technological | Light garbage bags | Biodegradable, ultra-light bags with reinforced handles | |
Social | Asking a neighbor to take it out | Community noticeboards or digital alerts to coordinate neighbor support |
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Briede Westermeyer, J.C.; Madariaga Bravo, L.; Piñones, E.; Neira-Zambrano, K.; Plentz, N.D.; Pérez-Villalobos, C. Functional Adaptation and Emergent User Solutions in Domestic Tasks: Supporting Aging in Place Through a Field Study on Design Challenges Among Older Adults in Chile. Healthcare 2025, 13, 1369. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13121369
Briede Westermeyer JC, Madariaga Bravo L, Piñones E, Neira-Zambrano K, Plentz ND, Pérez-Villalobos C. Functional Adaptation and Emergent User Solutions in Domestic Tasks: Supporting Aging in Place Through a Field Study on Design Challenges Among Older Adults in Chile. Healthcare. 2025; 13(12):1369. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13121369
Chicago/Turabian StyleBriede Westermeyer, Juan Carlos, Leonardo Madariaga Bravo, Eduardo Piñones, Karina Neira-Zambrano, Natalia Debeluck Plentz, and Cristhian Pérez-Villalobos. 2025. "Functional Adaptation and Emergent User Solutions in Domestic Tasks: Supporting Aging in Place Through a Field Study on Design Challenges Among Older Adults in Chile" Healthcare 13, no. 12: 1369. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13121369
APA StyleBriede Westermeyer, J. C., Madariaga Bravo, L., Piñones, E., Neira-Zambrano, K., Plentz, N. D., & Pérez-Villalobos, C. (2025). Functional Adaptation and Emergent User Solutions in Domestic Tasks: Supporting Aging in Place Through a Field Study on Design Challenges Among Older Adults in Chile. Healthcare, 13(12), 1369. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13121369