Textile-led Design for the Active Ageing Population

Despite the world’s aging population, suitable clothing for the older community is a largely neglected area. This book considers the needs of the growing number of active older people and investigates how recent developments in textiles, fibres, finishes, design and integrated technology can be deployed to serve this group and improve quality of life.

Part I provides an understanding of the active aging population by considering the group’s experiences of and attitudes towards clothing and reviewing the barriers to their adoption of new wearable technologies. Part II focuses on the needs of the older population, including effective communication with designers and the age-related anatomical and physiological changes that designs should consider. Part III reviews design requirements and processes, and finally Part IV reviews the manufacture of suitable apparel, with chapters on suitable textile fibres, balancing technology and aesthetics and wearable electronics.

• Summarises the wealth of recent research on attitudes to clothing amongst the active ageing population
• Looks into how their aspirations can be investigated and appropriate apparel designed to meet their needs
• Examines design and manufacturing issues, including ways of accommodating physiological changes with age and the use of wearable electronics

Since establishing a unique Masters programme in Performance Sportswear Design (University of Derby, 1995-2003) and then leading research in Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology (University of Wales, Newport, 2004-2012), Jane’s practice has continued to be focused on co-design methodology, bringing together representatives from academia and industry, along with end-users, where a new ‘shared language’ is required to break down barriers between disparate disciplines. She was the recipient of the ‘Sir Misha Black Award for Innovation in Design Education’ (2003), presented at the Royal College of Art, and awarded her Professorship from the University of Wales, Newport (2012). Her cross-disciplinary approach led to Erasmus exchanges, Leonardo projects, publication and continuing academic engagement in China. Both during her time in academia, and since working as an independent design and research consultant, back in Northern Ireland (from 2014 onwards), the need for more responsible, sustainable, and user-friendly product development has escalated in relation to her on-going areas of interest in the design of functional clothing as well as in Natural Fibre Composites design applications.

David Bryson is a Senior Lecturer in the Human Sciences Research Centre at the University of Derby, UK. His research interests include the use of scientific photography and multimedia to support learning teaching and assessment in applied science, anatomy and osteology.