Abstract: An ergonomic handrail adapted for use with a stairway or in a toilet has a generally wavy shape. It is mounted generally obliquely on a wall to provide an alternating combination of generally vertically and horizontally disposed portions which are disposed generally above steps and risers of the stairway, respectively. The generally vertically and horizontally disposed portions are adapted to be grasped by a user without bending his or her wrist forwardly in ascending and descending a flight of stairs, respectively. This arrangement enables infirm persons such as elderly or disabled persons to grasp it readily and firmly without causing their hands to accidentally slip from grasping engagement with it.