More people than you can imagine live with disabilities that limit what clothing they can reasonably expected to get into independently. A considerable number of conditions actually affect how you move, and present quite a challenge to people trying to live a normal life. I found an article in Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week about the Cast Clothing Company. It was written in 2007 but is still relevant and I am hoping that they have encouraged other clothing manufactures to follow in their footsteps. This company focuses on designing custom adaptive clothing options for people living with disabilities.
No matter what their level of functioning, older people strive for a sense of control over their lives. Severe arthritis, a bad back, or a myriad of other problems can make it difficult to dress yourself. This issue had received little attention because older people who are physically and socially active are reluctant to admit that it is hard for them to perform such routine tasks as buttoning buttons, zipping zippers, or reaching their arms over head.
The stereotype, referred to by Beth Baker (The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.), in an article on “Easy-to-Wear Collections,” is that older people no longer care about their appearance. Older people want to have a sense of control over their lives and getting dressed unaided and looking good is a part of that control. The Baby Boomers aren’t going to settle for that stereotype, when they are 90 they aren’t going to want to look like they are 90.
My favorite, a recent article by Heather Larson appeared in Arthritis Today (January/February 2011) appealed to be because I felt that I could really relate. My husband never can figure out why I prefer to shower at home instead of at the gym after a workout. I told him that if he knew how hard it was to peel out of a soaking wet sports bra he wouldn’t ask. Ms. Larson discusses easy-on, easy-off bras, because putting on and taking off a bra requires a range of motion and a degree of strength and dexterity that is often compromised in older women.
When more help is needed, adaptive bras may prove the just the ticket. Larger hooks and fount closures are only two of the ideas to make on and off even easier. Check out sites such as ( www.silverts.com_, (www.wearease.com) , www.amoena.com and www.underworks.com for bra ideas featuring the hook and loop, pullover varieties, hook and eye versions, and Velcro closures. It is time for older women to take a stand about the availability of trendy clothes just for them.
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