Innovating textile solutions for older people
To meet the specific textile requirements in bedding, clothing, hygiene and therapy for a rapidly ageing population, it is necessary to enhance and innovate such textile products. This can be achieved through the collective action of several stakeholders, primarily the science and research community, manufacturers and end users. With this in mind, the EU-funded TAGS (Textiles for ageing society) project is gathering the elderly, social and medical care organisations, research institutions, technology transfer associations and manufacturers in order to step up efforts in product and process development. This consortium aims to identify the individual needs of older people and related organisations as well as materials science and technology advances that address these needs. It also seeks to identify approaches to commercialise such developments. Throughout the project TAGS gathers data from end users on the appearance, functionality, comfort, convenience, safety and durability of textiles in the four areas of bedding, clothing, hygiene and therapy. This was done through literature reviews on current and emerging technology and analysis of sales and market opportunities. Additionally, surveys and personal interviews with the elderly, caregivers and relatives, addressing their daily limitations and challenges concerning existing products were carried out. Regular brainstorming sessions and discussions on each of the four research domains have taken place between the consortium and invited experts. They have generated new ideas, considered the potential for new products and innovations in problem areas, and examined further initiatives. To date, research arising from these meetings has demonstrated that innovation in textiles targeting ageing populations is slow, particularly when you compare this to other markets such as sportswear for example, and new products are needed for the elderly and caregivers to provide a better quality of life and well-being. TAGS has set up a platform for active discussion to further research in textiles for an ageing European society. As work progresses, the project continues to draw closer to its overarching objective of increasing quality of life and improving the effectiveness of medical and social care services.
Keywords
Textile products, elderly, personal hygiene, bedding, clothing, ageing society, therapy
