The World Health Organization (WHO) reports, “In 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older surpassed the number of children younger than five.
Shreya Thakkar, a 28-year-old industrial designer and researcher, has vivid memories of growing up in Vadodara with her grandparents, where she closely observed the impact of aging on their health and the surrounding environment.
“Watching my mother care for my grandparents taught me the value of compassion and empathy in elder care,” Shreya recalls.
This realization sparked a journey that took her to Bengaluru, Auroville, and eventually Los Angeles, where she pursued a master’s degree in industrial and furniture design at the renowned ArtCenter College of Design. During her studies, she also volunteered at senior living facilities.
“At these facilities in Los Angeles, I listened to the residents’ stories and truly immersed myself in their experiences, which deepened my passion for assistive technology and its potential to enhance the quality of life for our aging population,” she adds.
Breakthroughs in medicine, nutrition, biotechnology, and various other fields are enabling people to live longer and more fulfilling lives. The challenge now is to understand how older adults will spend these extended years, emphasizing well-being, mental and physical health, and the importance of recreation and leisure time.
Shreya’s research challenges our preconceived notions about ageing and personal mobility. With a growing market for products aimed at older adults, she engages closely with users to understand their behaviors, emotions, and the impacts of ageing. Her work emphasizes that many seniors dream of independence and the joy of leisurely exploration. They value quality of life, autonomy, and self-reliance, which are not often associated with traditional perspectives on ageing.
She highlights the challenge of balancing independence with ageing in a rapidly changing world of technology and social attitudes. Her research advocates against stereotypes that associate ageing with weakness and passivity. These outdated ideas often influence the development of ageing-related products.
Driven by her insights, Shreya developed the “Wander On” smart cane (Walker On Assist 01) and walker (Walker On Assist 02). These devices are equipped with features like SOS alarms, GPS tracking, built-in blood pressure monitoring, and even seating, all designed to enhance the autonomy and safety of seniors.
Her experience volunteering at elder centers and assisted living facilities in Los Angeles and Grand Rapids provided her with an immersive understanding of the ageing process. She observed seniors’ daily lives, gaining insight into their routines, preferences, and the challenges they face. This experience underscored the importance of personalized care and understanding each individual’s unique needs.
Shreya also studied the behavior of middle-aged seniors transitioning to senior communities. Her research led her to identify gaps in products catering to the actively ageing population, particularly in areas such as morning routines, internal mobility, and kitchen assistance. This inspired her to design her smart cane and walker to better serve seniors’ evolving needs.
“I developed the ‘Wander On’ cane and walker, which was specifically designed for ageing baby boomers and others who may lack the self-assurance necessary for independent mobility,” she adds.
The Wander On Assist 01 is a “reimagined cane” designed for those who need partial walking assistance. It features adjustable height, a built-in pedometer, and a shock-absorbing ergonomic design, all aimed at promoting freedom and independence.
“The cane also monitors blood pressure, temperature, and pulse, allowing users to share their health data with selected contacts. In case of an emergency, pressing the SOS button sends an alert to a support center and a designated contact, including the user’s current health information and location. A built-in navigation light provides crucial assistance at night, while the cane’s location can always be tracked via the Wander On app, even during power outages. If it is misplaced nearby, the vibration feature can help locate it.” says Shreya
The built-in pedometer in the Wander On cane tracks steps, while a sensor monitors blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. Users can easily share this data with their contacts, enhancing safety and support.
More than just a mobility aid, the Wander On smart cane is a high-tech, all-in-one service and healthcare device. In 2019, Shreya embarked on a mission to “revolutionize mobility assistance for the elderly” and others facing mobility challenges.
“My journey began with extensive research and analysis, diving deep into the intricacies of cane design,” Shreya recalls. “As I explored the specifics of handles, grips, and functionality, I realized that designing the perfect cane was no easy feat. Bringing my vision to life through prototyping was a nerve-wracking process, but each failure provided invaluable insights that helped me refine and improve the design. Maintaining an open feedback loop with stakeholders was key to validating the concept and understanding the project’s pain points.”
Shreya also sought to reimagine the traditional walker, creating a device that promotes activity, independence, and self-care.
“I set out to design the Wander On Assist 02 walker for seniors — a game-changing mobility device featuring smart home connectivity, a navigation system, and hand gesture detection,” she explains. “I envisioned an elegantly ergonomic walker with wheels and a seat that would assist with mobility, open doors, carry groceries, and guide users home via GPS if they found themselves in unfamiliar surroundings.”
The walker allows users to sit or stand, offering flexibility in their mobility. “Additional features enable users to check their health details and step count, which they can then share with contacts for safety,” she adds. To further enhance convenience, she included a hand gesture feature that summons the walker to the user.
Shreya’s focus was also on health and safety. “With the Wander On Assist 02, I aimed to usher in a new era of product development that meets the needs of millions in a thoughtful and imaginative way,” she says.
On the Verge of Commercialization
Currently a design strategist at Planning Design Research, a Houston-based architecture firm, Shreya is also researching patient and visitor experiences in healthcare facilities.
“We are prototyping the products and plan to start production soon. We’ve enlisted seniors to test the prototypes to refine the design before launching them widely. This is just the beginning of our effort to improve the well-being of seniors in India and around the globe,” she notes.
Shreya believes the Wander On devices offer “superior monitoring and communication services” compared to existing walkers and canes, services that have traditionally been provided by medical professionals or caregivers. “Our goal is to enhance the user’s independence, allowing them to maintain their normal routines and healthy social activities,” she adds.
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