Fidget toys have transitioned from a fad to a mainstay way for a person to relieve themselves of stress, which is exactly what 'The Walnut' aims to do for the elderly. Designed by Seohee Lee, the conceptual device is inspired by walnuts, which are often used by the elderly in Asia to stimulate their hands and increase the blood flow to their extremities. The device itself features a similarly textured exterior along with a bevy of sensors that will track the user's health metrics and send them back to the accompanying smartphone app.
'The Walnut' could help to reduce the instance of muscle loss and hand shaking to make it an effective therapy solution for the elderly and/or those who spend their days seated at a desk.
Healthy Naturalistic Fidget Toys
'The Walnut' by Seohee Lee is Designed for Elderly Individuals
Trend Themes
1. Elderly Fidget Toys - There is an opportunity to design fidget toys specifically for the elderly population that can improve their mobility.
2. Health Monitoring Fidget Toys - Incorporating health monitoring metrics into fidget toys could provide users with easy and constant health tracking.
3. Sensory Fidget Toys - Designing fidget toys with textures and sensory stimulation could help reduce stress and anxiety for all age groups.
Industry Implications
1. Senior Care - Integrating the use of fidget toys into senior care facilities could improve the physical and mental wellbeing of residents.
2. Fitness and Rehabilitation - Fidget toys with a focus on improving hand strength and coordination could be used in physical therapy settings for injury or surgery recovery.
3. Consumer Technology - Developing app-controlled fidget toys could bridge the gap between technology and wellness for consumers seeking both.