A well-designed armchair for the elderly is not just comfortable: it accompanies the person in five key positions that improve posture, circulation, and autonomy, every day. In this Poltrone La Castellana guide, we will see what they are, when to use them, and how to recognize them in a showroom.
1) Ergonomic Active Sitting (for feeling good while “sitting”)
This is the basic position of the armchair for the elderly: back well-supported, stable pelvis, feet on the floor, and armrests at the right height to relieve the shoulders. A balanced sitting position reduces pressure points, improves breathing, and maintains the spine’s natural “S” curve. With correct sitting, you save muscular energy, breathe better, and promote venous return, benefits that are particularly important in later life.
Practical Tip: Try the armchair in a “neutral” setup. If a flat hand (3–4 cm) fits between the seat edge and the back of the knee, the depth is correct. Armrests: elbow at a 90° angle.
2) Relax with Legs Raised (for TV/reading without swelling)
In a true armchair for the elderly, the relax position raises the legs and reclines the backrest just enough to read, chat, or watch TV without tiring. The footrest must lift the limbs while they remain bent, to avoid knee hyperextension and stress on the lumbar area. Already with this posture, the pressure on the spine is reduced, and circulation is helped.
Showroom Test: Check that the movement is fluid and silent and that no “steps” are created between the seat and backrest during reclining.
3) Zero Gravity / Tilt-in-space (to lighten the back and legs)
This is the “symbol” position of the advanced armchair for the elderly. The seat and backrest rotate backward together (tilt-in-space), bringing the legs and pelvis above the heart. This drastically reduces the forces on the back, the muscles relax, and circulation improves. Excellent for evening hours and for those who suffer from edema or lumbago.
Why it works: The tilt-in-space limits sliding and shear forces that appear when only the backrest is reclined. It’s better to move the “armchair body” as a single unit.
4) 180° Bed Position (for short rest periods and real rest)
When the armchair for the elderly becomes a “bed,” the backrest lowers to nearly/fully 180° and the footrest extends completely: the pressure on the spine drops significantly, and the intervertebral discs “recover.” For those who spend many hours in the armchair, this posture offers deep relaxation and, if necessary, nighttime sleep.
- With the Taurus Bed mechanism, reclining is complete, and the bayonet backrest facilitates transport and maintenance.
- In the La Castellana range, Megataurus and Rocky also guarantee a true Bed position, with open dimensions of up to 200 cm (Rocky).
5) Safe and Progressive Lift-assist (Lift)
The ideal armchair for the elderly assists the user to their feet without effort: the seat moves forward and lifts in a stable and controlled manner. It is the posture that truly makes a difference for autonomy and fall prevention. Important condition: the lifting movement must be tilted backward and not “push the user forward.”
- All our mechanisms include Lift, with fluid and silent movements. Rocky adds the vertical lifting of the entire structure and the stretcher mode to align with the bed: simpler and safer transfers at home.
Which Mechanism for Each Position? (Quick map)
| Need | Key Position | Recommended Mechanism |
| Daily TV/reading | Legs-up Relax | Taurus Bed (simple, reliable) |
| Leg swelling, lumbago | Zero Gravity | Megataurus (tilt-in-space + bed) |
| Assistance, transfers | Lift + stretcher | Rocky (vertical lifting) |
Want to learn more? Take a look at our Mechanisms page and the complete collection of Poltrone La Castellana.
How to Test an Armchair for the Elderly in a Showroom (Checklist)
- Go from active sitting to relax, then to Zero Gravity: Are the transitions progressive and without jerks?
- In relax, do the legs stay bent on the footrest? No knee hyperextension.
- In Zero Gravity, do you feel your back is lighter and you don’t slide forward? (A sign of correct tilt-in-space).
- In Bed 180°, does the pressure on the spine decrease and breathing become wider?
- With the Lift-assist, do you stand up without pushing with your arms, with a fluid and safe trajectory?
Why Choose a La Castellana Armchair for the Elderly?
- Italian mechanisms designed to last: Taurus Bed, Megataurus, Rocky.
- 3-layer comfort: springs + pocketed springs + differentiated density foams.
- Custom ergonomic fit (depth 47/51 cm, seats up to 63 cm), modularity, and fully removable covers for easy hygiene.
- Fast assistance and spare parts, tutorials, and real after-sales support.
Quick FAQs about the Armchair for the Elderly (Positions)
- Can I always sleep in the armchair? If the armchair for the elderly has a Bed 180° function, yes: it straightens the spine and helps recovery. Always evaluate breathability and hygiene routine.
- Is Zero Gravity good for everyone? It’s excellent for circulation and lumbar relief; in case of specific pathologies, ask your doctor. The advantage is the reduction of shear forces.
- How important is the Lift? Very: an armchair for the elderly with a correct Lift improves autonomy and safety for daily standing up.
