A Study of the Lifting Strength Capabilities of General Labor Farmer and Unemployed Elder Using Human Factors Engineering
Keywords:
elder, lifting ability, general labor, farmer, unemployedAbstract
This research is an exploratory study utilizing questionnaires and experimental research, collecting data from a sample group of farmers, general laborers, and unemployed elders in the lower northeastern region of Thailand. The objectives are (1) to measure the lifting strength of the elderly (2) to study the effects of lifting at ground level among the elderly, and (3) to examine the differences in lifting strength measured at ground level among elderly individuals in farming, general labor, and unemployed elder. This research was conducted with a total sample of 201 participants. The research categorized the data into three parts: basic information about the sample, body measurement data, and data on lifting strength measurements, analyzed using statistical software. The findings indicate that the elderly participants included 74 males and 127 females, with an average age of 69 years. The majority were engaged in a farmer (146 participants), general labor (37 participants), and unemployed elder (18 participants). From the body dimension measurement data, it was found that males had a higher average body dimension than females in four dimensions: height, length, width, and weight, and this physical structure decreases with increasing age. Additionally, the analysis of lifting strength indicates a significant difference in lifting strength between those unemployed elders and those working as general laborers, while there is also a significant difference in lifting strength between general laborers and farmers. However, there is no significant difference in lifting strength between unemployed elders and farmers. The findings from the research can help establish guidelines for designing jobs to suit the needs of elderly people in different professions.
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