Ergonomic Design of Ablution Places' Increasing the Comfort of the Elderly (Case Study of Mosques in Indonesia)

Abstract

Objective: to obtain an ergonomic ablution design for the elderly based on anthropometry. Background: the slouching position of the elderly when taking ablution water causes discomfort, back pain, and the risk of falling. Ergonomic design provides harmony between the limitations of the elderly and the design of the equipment so as to achieve comfort and free from injury. Methods: qualitative research is used to determine the ergonomics design using a case study design of a mosque in Indonesia. Data obtained by interview and observation. Interviews were conducted with 2 elderly people who used the bathroom facilities for ablution. The supporting informant was 1 mosque nazir. Observations on the place of ablution include the floor, the height of the water tap, the floor and observations of the elderly when taking ablution. The data validity was done by triangulating the results of interviews and observations. Result: the bent posture causes discomfort, there is no wall grip on the place of ablution, there is no seat and footrest. The height of the water tap is 83 cm, anthropometric height of the elderly is 145 cm, distance from leg to waist height is 87 cm, length reaches 58 cm. Conclusion: Wudu facilities have not been designed ergonomically and specifically for the elderly, the ease of worship facilities for the elderly contributes to the prevention of injury, illness and improving the quality of life of the elderly. It is hoped that the findings of this study will become a guideline for preparing the design of ablution places in mosques, thereby increasing the comfort and convenience of the elderly.