The authors cited 330 mm as "worst-case" scenarios, but I suggest that for some situations such as exterior stairs where much long going depths are feasible those data might change.įor an interior stairway, very long going depth dimensions are not practical because the total stair run becomes longer than will fit in most indoor spaces.įurthermore the cost of converting an existing set of steps each having a 7-inch rise into a set of stair steps each with a 3.5" rise would not only double the run length of the stairway but it would be very costly. The "going depth" or "tread depth" which I describe as distance from stair nose face to riser face was considered optimal at 280 mm to 330 mm. Best going depth or tread depth for stair treads for seniors These riser heights or "step rise heights" appear to be the optimal range in riser height. The authors examined riser heights between 152mm (5.98 in) and 190 mm (7.48 in). Experts suggest that for more physically limited people the best way avoid falls is to seek living accommodations on a single floor.Īffi et als (2014 and earlier) have weighted the contributions of various stair features to the risk of a stair fall, considering for example, straight versus turned stairways, with or without landings, number of steps, handrail design, lighting specifications, and step design specifications (using a tread depth of 269mm and a riser height of 174mm with a 40 mm tread nosing in a case example to state various risk contributors.Īfifi et als (2013 & 2014) specifically investigated staircase design for older adults. Rheumatoid Arthritis? Reply:Įxcellent question, Cynthia. What are the best dimensions for seniors with physical limitations i.e. CMHC (2015) Reader Question: what are the best stair dimensions for people with physical limitations or for seniors However, it does mean always being aware that stairs can be risky and knowing how to reduce the risks. Your doctor can best advise you if you have special health problems that might limit or even prevent you from using stairs. Stair climbing increases leg power and may be important in helping elderly people reduce the risk of injury from falls. According to Health Canada’s Stairway to Health Program, activities like climbing stairs significantly contribute to the 30 minutes of physical activity we all need every day. There can be health benefits to using stairs. Many people never fully recover from the consequences of a fall. Other serious consequences - particularly for older people - can be the psychological effects resulting from a fall such as lowered confidence and a loss of a feeling of safety, which further reduces health, mobility and activity. The physical consequences can be serious, including soft-tissue damage and broken bones - especially hips. People who need or prefer those options should see RAMPS, ACCESS and also STAIRWAY CHAIR LIFTS.īut there are also health benefits from using stairs, leading expert sources to avoid recommending simply stopping using stairways as we illustrate with the following excerpt from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.įalls on stairs can be a major threat to health, independence and confidence. But does this mean that we should simply eliminate stairs, replacing them with ramps or stairway chair lifts? Stair falls are particularly dangerous for the elderly or for others with limited mobility. Here we discuss stair options for easy-climbing stairs and we point out where some low-riser step hazards may be lurking along the stairway. What about building long stair runs with steps each of which has a very low riser height? This article discusses stair step designs for people who have trouble ascending or descending stairways. Optimum Stair Riser Height for Seniors & People with Limited Stair Climbing Ability We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. Page top photo: an older stair-user at Portofino near Genoa, Italy, facing a steep climb, angled stairs, and an open stair guard is nonetheless making use of a secure handrailing. These same specifications should assist anyone who has limited ability to climb stairs such as people suffering from arthritis. This article lists safety features and optimal stairway designs for older building occupants. Stair design specifications for older adults or for people with limited mobility: We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest.
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