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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Chris EmmersonORCiD, Dr Amy Guo, Professor Phil BlytheORCiD, Simon Edwards
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The UK, along with most other countries, has an ageing population. In 2009, 16% of the UK’s population were aged 65 and over whereas by 2034 it is projected that this will have increased to 23%. A high percentage of the projected population will pass their 65th birthday as drivers, remaining so for decades after. However, to limit or stop older people from driving could lead to a loss of mobility and affect their wellbeing, particularly when alternative transport choices are limited. Therefore, the need to develop driving aids to maintain automobile access and mobility is becoming increasingly important for the ageing population. One of the most readily available forms of driving aids is in-vehicle navigation. However, the present configuration of information delivery and complex visual displays of in-vehicle navigation systems are not designed to meet the older drivers’ needs. Furthermore, navigation for older adults has been identified as key to maintaining their mobility and hence their independence. In response to this, the purpose of this research is threefold. Firstly, it explores ways older adults navigate themselves and identify the failing features of current systems to meet the older drivers’ satisfaction. Secondly, it investigates the potential benefits of in-vehicle navigation to assist older people in driving safely and maintaining healthy and active lifestyles for longer. Focus groups, in-car observations and questionnaire surveys will be adopted for these two stages. Lastly, new features of the in-vehicle navigation systems will be proposed and tested with older drivers through the use of a driving simulator and one-to-one interviews. The preliminary findings from the focus groups and in-car observations will be presented in this paper. The results of this research will provide insight and guidance into how in-vehicle navigation systems need to be reconfigured to assist in maintaining mobility and wellbeing for older drivers.
Author(s): Emmerson C, Guo AW, Blythe PT, Nandeo A, Edwards SJF
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: UTSG Annual Conference
Year of Conference: 2012
URL: http://www.utsg.net/web/index.php?page=2012---aberdeen
