Mobility difficulties for older people in pharmacies

an analysis from the point ofview of accessibility

Authors

Keywords:

Accessibility, Locomotion, Ergonomics, Built spaces, Pharmacies, Aging

Abstract

Older adults may experience mobility limitations, which increase their risk of falls. Pharmacies, frequently visited by the elderly, may not provide adequate accessibility, further raising these risks. This study analyzed the factors affecting the mobility of older adults in pharmacies based on the NBR 9050/2020 standard. Three establishments were evaluated using the walkthrough methodology. Technical plans were developed from video recordings to verify key compliance points with the standard. The results revealed non-conformities, such as inadequate circulation with obstacles like boxes, carpets, and structural elements, as well as insufficient width, in addition to elevated display areas posing potential risks. One of the locations had stairs and ramps without handrails, violating the standard. These accessibility limitations in the environment hinder elderly mobility and increase the risk of imbalance, tripping, and falls. In conclusion, beyond improving accessibility, mobility, and safety in pharmacies, it is essential that design professionals and public authorities strictly adhere to technical standards, alongside new specific knowledge, to ensure the social participation of older adults in public spaces.

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Author Biographies

Luiz Gustavo Souza da Silva, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

Regular student of the Academic Master's in Design of the Postgraduate Program in Design (PPGDES) at the Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP) in the research line "Ergonomics". Architect and Urban Planner at Centro Universitário Sagrado Coração (UNISAGRADO) in 2020.

Fabio Augusto Barbieri, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

Associate professor at Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) - Faculty of Sciences - Department of Physical Education (Bauru - SP, Brazil), linked to the Postgraduate Programs in Movement Sciences at UNESP (Capes - 5) and Design (Capes - 6 ). Bachelor's degree (2004) and degree (2007) in Physical Education and master's degree in Motricity Sciences (2007) from UNESP. PhD in Motricity Sciences from UNESP (2012) and Ph.D. in Human Movement Science from VU Amsterdam University (Netherlands - 2013). Post-Doctorate in Physical Education from UNESP (2015). Associate Professor in Movement Sciences. Coordinator of the Human Movement Research Laboratory (MOVI-LAB) and the ATIVA PARKINSON Extension project. He is a member of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, International Society for Posture and Gait Research, International Society of Biomechanics, Brazilian Society of Motor Behavior and Brazilian Society of Biomechanics. He is currently coordinator of the Postgraduate Program in Movement Sciences - Interunits at UNESP, deputy head of the Department of Physical Education, vice-president of the Brazilian Society of Motor Behavior, member of the Translation Steering Committee of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society and editor-in-chief of the Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior. He completed an internship abroad at VU Amsterdam University-Amsterdam-Netherlands, Purdue University-West Lafayette-United States and University of Porto-Porto-Portugal. The main objective of his research group is to understand the neuromechanics of human movements. Our group studies how human movement is planned and controlled, especially in the context of aging, movement disorders and sports performance. Our research approach consists of a combination of experimental studies, interventions and clinical trials with the aim of unraveling the interaction between neural, perceptual and motor systems, in addition to considering organic, task- and environment-related constraints. These approaches are developed to promote prevention, diagnosis, intervention and rehabilitation programs to improve the quality of daily life movements in the movement disorder and aging population, and to improve performance during sports practice and everyday life. To achieve these goals, studies employ neuromechanical (e.g., motion capture tools, EEG, and EMG) and perceptual (e.g., eye tracking) methodologies to understand human movement and related disorders. https://movilabunesp.come-mail: fabio.barbieri@unesp.br

Giovana Innocenti Strabeli, Centro Universitário Sagrado Coração - UNISAGRADO

He holds a degree in Architecture and Urbanism from Universidade Paulista (2009) and a master's degree in Postgraduate Program Engineering and Structures from the Federal University of São Carlos (2015). He is currently a professor at the University of the Sacred Heart. He has experience in the area of Architecture and Urbanism, with an emphasis on Planning and Building Projects, working mainly on the following topics: residential, commercial and institutional.

João Carlos Riccó Plácido da Silva, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia - UFU

João Carlos Plácido is a professor at UFU (Federal University of Uberlândia); PhD in Design from UNESP (2017); Has a Master's degree in Design from UNESP (2012); and degree in Industrial Design from UNESP (2009); He taught Design and Architecture courses at the University of Sagrado Coração -USC (2017) and UNIP (2012). Participating in the Design Course Council and the Structural Development Center for Design and Architecture at USC. He worked on several graphic campaigns and advised the PFproDesign office on product development. He has experience in the area of Industrial Design (Design), with an emphasis on Visual Programming and Product Design, working mainly on the following topics: design, graphic design, product design, informational ergonomics, design methodology, graphic branding, transportation, photography, innovation and manual design.

Luis Carlos Paschoarelli, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

Luis Carlos Paschoarelli is a Full Professor in the Department of Design at UNESP (2017); Associate Professor in Ergonomic Design at UNESP (2009); has a Post-doctorate in Ergonomics (2008) from ULISBOA; PhD in Production Engineering (2003) from UFSCar; Master's degree in Design, Art and Society - Industrial Design (1997) and degree in Industrial Design (1994) from UNESP. He is co-leader of the Ergonomic Design Research Group: Project and Interfaces where he coordinates the research projects: Ergonomic Design: ergonomic evaluation and intervention in the project, Ergonomic Design: methodologies for the evaluation of manual instruments in the human x technology interface and Design Contributions Ergonomics in the research and design of equipment for the rehabilitation of people with specific abilities. He is based in the Ergonomics and Interfaces Laboratory-Design Department, where he works as a teacher on the undergraduate course in Design and the Postgraduate Program (masters and doctorate) in Design at UNESP. He has experience in the field of design, ergonomics, ergonomic design, product design and graphic design.

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Published

2025-02-26

How to Cite

SILVA, Luiz Gustavo Souza da; BARBIERI, Fabio Augusto; INNOCENTI STRABELI, Giovana; RICCÓ PLÁCIDO DA SILVA, João Carlos; PASCHOARELLI, Luis Carlos. Mobility difficulties for older people in pharmacies: an analysis from the point ofview of accessibility. Ambiente Construído, [S. l.], v. 25, 2025. Disponível em: https://seer.ufrgs.br/index.php/ambienteconstruido/article/view/139066. Acesso em: 2 aug. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 25 (2025): Edições Especiais & Artigos

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Artigos

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