Le vêtement, outil d’inclusion sociale pour femmes baby-boomers en situation de handicap, potentiellement en situation de handicap et en processus de vieillissement : le manteau d’hiver
This cross-sector study in clothing design and occupational therapy targets women of the baby boomer generation with disabilities, eventual disabilities, and in the process of ageing. Often these women tend to isolate themselves because, for example, their coats are simply inadequate in winter. Supported by principles of universal and inclusive design, this study helps identify how the concepts of HEDONISM, COMFORT, and FUNCTIONALITY are expressed and articulated, and which insights could inform the design of a winter coat from an Aging in place perspective. The on-going relationship between body and clothes allows to analyze the ageing process, both on the physiological and cultural realms. This thesis proposes the study of how these phenomena affect ageing women. Julia Twigg’s work is an essential point of reference here. In order to deduce the parameters of design, a qualitative research includes interviews with four women, direct observations, as well as individual fittings of their own winter coats. The ensuing data brought forth a new concept, and this concept is TEMPORALITY (the progression of ideas and perceptions linked to clothing and women undergoing with disabilities, eventual disabilities, and in the process of ageing). Time acts like an umbrella under which we find the three main concepts mentioned above. Criteria for designs are thus revealed. For one point, affordability promotes social inclusion. Accessories are unavoidable considerations when modeling attire. Sportswear technology is of primary importance for HEDONISM, COMFORT and FUNCTIONNALITY clothing, as is versatility. The creation of specs sets for an interdisciplinary design of an eloquent coat suitable for harsh winters is the goal of this study. These winter coats should be pleasing to the contemporary tastes of women of the baby boomer generation. In conclusion, this systemic approach to clothing design for the baby boomer woman offers a new way to shoulder old age.
Aging in place design body clothing inclusive design occupational therapy winter women baby-boomers