For many Baby Boomers, it must often appear that they’re being somewhat left behind in this modern age of automotive technology and in-car connectivity. Yes, whilst they struggle to adapt and adjust to this new high-tech era, it must seem to them as if most of this new technology is being aimed at the younger generation rather than their age group. So what’s being done on the behalf on the older driver?
Well, this may surprise you, but it’s actually quite a lot!
Bold fonts to help drivers
Ford vehicles will now feature wider, bolder fonts on their display screens, which will make for easier reading, particularly among the rapidly increasing number of drivers 60 and older.
Diabetes – Glucose monitoring on the go
With the growing number of diabetics, especially those in their mid to older years, Ford has teamed up with Medtronic, a leading manufacturer of glucose monitoring devices and is working on a system to help customers suffering from diabetes by enabling them to monitor their glucose levels whilst on the go.
Diabetic drivers who wear a Bluetooth-enabled Medtronic continuous glucose monitoring device will now be able to pair up with Ford’s SYNC system and receive audio alerts, or in-dash reports on their blood glucose levels.
Air quality monitoring
There’s even a system in place for those drivers who suffer from asthma and/or allergies. Yes, through modern technology, and the adaptability of Ford’s SYNC system and Bluetooth, those who suffer from asthma, or even an allergy to pollen, can now receive regular updates on the local air quality.
In fact, when tied into the vehicle’s GPS system, it could even recommend an alternative route, whereby avoiding areas of low air quality. Imagine that! Do you wish to take the fastest route, the shortest, or the one which will allow you to breathe better?
The Third Age suit
Ford’s design team employs what is known as “The Third Age Suit”, a special jumpsuit designed to help them understand the ergonomic requirements of the more mature driver. This suit is used to perform various tasks under laboratory conditions to enable the designers of such things as seats/door openings etc, to better equip the vehicle for those of us slightly less mobile in our bodily actions.
Well, this may surprise you, but it’s actually quite a lot!
Bold fonts to help drivers
Ford vehicles will now feature wider, bolder fonts on their display screens, which will make for easier reading, particularly among the rapidly increasing number of drivers 60 and older.
Diabetes – Glucose monitoring on the go
With the growing number of diabetics, especially those in their mid to older years, Ford has teamed up with Medtronic, a leading manufacturer of glucose monitoring devices and is working on a system to help customers suffering from diabetes by enabling them to monitor their glucose levels whilst on the go.
Diabetic drivers who wear a Bluetooth-enabled Medtronic continuous glucose monitoring device will now be able to pair up with Ford’s SYNC system and receive audio alerts, or in-dash reports on their blood glucose levels.
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| Photo: Ford |
Air quality monitoring
There’s even a system in place for those drivers who suffer from asthma and/or allergies. Yes, through modern technology, and the adaptability of Ford’s SYNC system and Bluetooth, those who suffer from asthma, or even an allergy to pollen, can now receive regular updates on the local air quality.
In fact, when tied into the vehicle’s GPS system, it could even recommend an alternative route, whereby avoiding areas of low air quality. Imagine that! Do you wish to take the fastest route, the shortest, or the one which will allow you to breathe better?
The Third Age suit
Ford’s design team employs what is known as “The Third Age Suit”, a special jumpsuit designed to help them understand the ergonomic requirements of the more mature driver. This suit is used to perform various tasks under laboratory conditions to enable the designers of such things as seats/door openings etc, to better equip the vehicle for those of us slightly less mobile in our bodily actions.
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| Photo: Ford |