고령자를 배려한 주얼리 디자인 방향 설정을 위한 연구

A Study on Setting up Jewelry Design of Considering the Elderly - Form the Universal Design Viewpoint -

In 2000 the elderly population in Korea exceeded 7%, making it an aging society, and by 2019 that number is projected to go over 14%. Moreover, unlike other developed countries there are signs that the aging is progressing at a rather fast rate. In 2005 the average life expectancy of the Korean is 77.7, which entails new problems that need to be solved including revision of the welfare policy, and change in qualitative character with the increase not only of the old aged population but in their financial status. The number of older people with ‘ageless body, timeless mind’ who both physically and mentally healthy gradually increases, and they wish to live young and active lives throughout their long old age in financial stability. The need for jewelry design for the elderly that targets their demands is also an immediate reality. In this study proposes functionality, aestheticism, economic feasibility, and stability with the principle of universal design to be applied to jewelry considering the elderly age group, in which anyone can develop a slight handicap in daily life caused by aging, through studies such of questionnaires and reference. Jewelry design for the elderly should apply the following rules: First, it must apply easy to use universal principle with simple structure and function. Second, it must recognize the difference from the viewpoint of the elderly, and needs to consider the stability to overcome physical and psychological handicap. Third, it must take into consideration the familiar conventions, experience, culture, and sensibility of the elderly. Fourth, small quantity production of multiple types that forecasts the future society would be adequate, and the direction of jewelry design for the elderly should reflect the individual characteristics of each individual elderly person. Furthermore, the design should search for shapes that probe into the sensibilities of the elderly. Accessories have such great use in real life, that there is a strong demand for functionality and safety. Even if the price is high, if it is comfortable to wear, it will be a better design that the elderly will prefer. It is the job of a designer who really gives thought to people, to design products that are not different from regular products, and taking into consideration the physical and psychological changes of the elderly. Medical products are not the only ones that can improve the quality of life.