Tips Offered to Help Older Adults Cope With Back-Breaking Housework

Older adults can cut the strain of housework through organization and selection of easy-to-use appliances.

Gary Van Deursen, Black & Decker’s director of industrial design and new product concepts, says his research shows that 40% percent of Americans 65 or older have problems doing housework and operating appliances. Manufacturers now recognize that older people need appliances that are easy to operate and simple to maintain, he says.

He offers these tips to make the best of them and lighten the work:

--Don’t strain your back by dragging around a full-sized vacuum cleaner when a lightweight stick-type vacuum will do the same work.

--Cordless vacuums are another back-saver. Hand-held models are more convenient for small messes and quick pickups.

--To pick up dust that accumulates underneath beds or sofas, choose a cleaner that will operate in both upright and horizontal positions. That way, you won’t have to move furniture.

--When cleaning or dusting, start from the top of the room and work down. A hand-held vacuum that has attachments that can reach high areas like curtains and ceiling corners and a crevice tool for getting into door tracks and under radiators will save hands-on dusting.

--Look for a hand-held model designed to balance its weight under the handle instead of in front of it. Also check if it has a lock-on or slide switch instead of a button that must be pushed and held down while cleaning. If you have arthritis, you’ll find the appliance easier to grip if you wrap a soft towel or cloth around the handle for additional width and comfort.

--To deal with pet hair, choose a unit that has a motorized power brush attachment with both long and short bristles.

--Clean spills and stains immediately, as chances for easy removal are 75% greater if a stain is fresh. Spills of wax, chocolate, crayon and bubble gum should be allowed to dry until they are hard enough to scrape off with a dull knife.