Ford Designs Cars With Seniors in Mind Using the Third Age Suit

    DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 31 The desire to understand the
unique needs of older customers led to Ford Motor Company's
breakthrough development of the Third Age Suit.  The research tool is used to
assist ergonomics engineers in developing vehicles for customers as much as 30
years older than they are.

    The suit, which appears to be a cross between a bee-catcher's protective
gear and a high-tech astronaut suit, is made up of materials that add bulk and
restrict movement in key areas of the body such as the knees, elbows, stomach
and back.  Together with gloves that reduce the sense of touch and goggles
that simulate cataracts, the Third Age Suit gives engineers and designers a
feel for the needs of an older generation as they design new vehicles.

    "When you're young and fit enough to leap out of a car without effort,
it's hard to appreciate why an older person may need to lower themselves out
of the driver's seat by pushing on the seat back and the door frame," said
Jeffery Pike, Ford senior technical specialist.  "But, try leaping out while
you are wearing this suit and you really understand the challenges an older
driver faces."

    The suit is used to keep pace with the demands of aging baby boomers over
the coming decades.  Demographics show that the number of people in the United
States between 55 and 74 will almost double by 2030 -- rising from 40 million
to about 74 million.  In Europe between 1985 and 2005, the number of male
drivers over 65 is expected to increase by 90 percent while the number of
female drivers in this age range will grow by more than 200 percent.