Major Causal Factors Influencing Footwear Construction Parameters for Elderly People

Elderly people require customized products due to their unique characteristics. They have special needs in terms of footwear; very often they cannot use the mass products available on the market. The article presents the methodology and results of a fieldwork study conducted in order to identify and analyze major causal factors that influence the construction parameters of footwear designed for the elderly female population. The research problem consisted in investigating and measuring the influence of causal determinants that can significantly affect the foot parameters. The study had an exploratory and descriptive nature and employed quantitative methodology. The sample consisted of 100 persons from Bucharest, Romania, ranging from 55 to over 75 years of age. The collected data was analyzed on multiple dimensions using a statistic analysis software program. The results generated a framework encompassing the major causal biomechanical and demographic factors that need to be addressed in order to customize the constructive characteristics of footwear items for elderly people in Romania.