Ethyl enjoys volunteering in her local charity shop but relies on a taxi to get there and back which is quite expensive. She would prefer to walk but can't because of her frailty. A potential scenario in which the wheelchair would be useful is for getting Ethyl to and from the shop. A motorised wheelchair would allow her to spend time outdoors and would also reduce her outgoing costs because she wouldn't have to rely on taxis. However, Ethyl worries about getting lost so the GPS system would again be very useful. If Ethyl does get lost, she could simply press the “home” button on the GPS system and be guided home. Ethyl is also concerned about being mugged but the vital sign monitoring could also be adapted to have a panic button that automatically calls the emergency services if activated by Ethyl. Ethyl also enjoys a flutter on the horses and likes to bet small amounts online so the built in internet access on the wheelchair would allow her to check the latest odds. She would also have constant access to her email. Ethyl is also enjoys attending the University of the Third Age. This organisation provides informal learning opportunities for older people or people who are not employed.

see www.u3a-info.co.uk


She could also use her internet access to check latest lecture details and visiting speakers. University of the Third Age also provide specialist fitness classes for older people at a fitness suite and Ethyl could get more information about these and attend. This might improve her quality of life despite the fact she is frail because all the exercises would be tailored to someone her age with her health problems. The wheelchair would be useful for getting there in the first place and there are also classes that improve upper body fitness whilst the people are actually in their wheelchair.