I get so excited when I read
about modern technology, and the fact that baby boomers are forcing
manufacturers to recognize that senior citizens are still a valuable consumer
base. We all want to keep on driving as
long as we can. It gives us a sense of
independence and freedom that no one else can really understand. An article in the Seattle Times by Yuri
Kageyam was written about studies being done by Nissan (this is even better
than the dog friendly car that I wrote about earlier) that are focusing on the
older driver.
The designers actually put
on “aging suits,” to simulate what it is like when you are working with a body
that isn’t quite as responsive it used to be. We are talking about the thickening
waistlines, the stiff shoulders and necks, the arthritic hands and knees and
even the decreased visual acuity that are all by-products of aging. These efforts have resulted in features like
door handles that open from either side, easy-on-the eye instrument panel displays
and extra knobs in the car interior to grab for support.
What do you think about a
door handle that looks more like a metal ring and can be opened with either
hand? Think about a cup holder that
slides out, is an arms length way and positioned at a comfortable angle. How about navigation equipment that displays
routes that are big and bright and you can actually figure them out, or a
control panel that is easier to ready? A lot of these innovations are relatively
cheap but are hugely beneficial to the older driver.
What do you think? Great idea isn’t it?
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