Mount Ida art students had a wonderful opportunity to help their community embrace color while learning about the needs of the elderly recently while working on a project involving walkers.
While researching safety concerns with ambulatory devices such as walkers and canes they determined that bright colors could be pivotal in preventing accidents caused by the normally dull aluminum devices.
In their research they learned that one in four falls experienced by elder individuals result in a decline of health. Many of these falls can be prevented by proper use of devices such as walkers and canes. One of the problems many people face is keeping up with the walker. They also have to worry about people running into them while walking.
The students determined that by decorating a normal walker or cane in bright colors they could help persons using walkers and canes by making them more visible.
Students collected several walkers and canes and decorated them with bright colored duct tape and “yarn bombing.”
While the students hope the bright colors helps make walking safer for the elderly, they also hope the bright colors improve their user’s mood as they walk in style.
The project was overseen by Mount Ida art teacher Doris Cook.
