Clothing and textiles for disabled and elderly people

The quality of life for disabled and elderly people can in many cases be substantially improved by a better choice of good looking and functional clothing and other textile products. Disabilities often lead to special functional requirements of clothing and other textile products in living environment. Persons with highly sensitive skin have to consider the skin contact or tactile properties and avoid clothing with hard seams. For wheelchair users and for persons lying prolonged time in bed, who have a relatively low heat production, the thermal comfort properties are important. The transmission of moisture (sweat) from the skin is also a frequent problem. Also the mechanical durability of the materials in certain parts of the products can be a problem in many cases. This leaflet was written as a part of the European EASYTEX project. The objective is to identify the problems that can occur concerning clothing and textiles for disabled and elderly people and to suggest solutions to these problems where possible.