With the announcement recently that Nevada has approved a license for Google to drive its “autonomous vehicles,” we are wondering what will the future will bring for NJ elder care. The car uses video cameras, laser range finder, and radio sensors, allowing the car to literally drive itself, without human assistance. The computer-driven concept has already gone over 200,000 miles safely.
As our bodies age, our driving abilities may lessen due to various health/physical issues, diminished eyesight, slower reaction time, decreased hearing, and/or memory issues. Seniors tend to either give up driving altogether, or drive only very limited amounts. They may rely on others to take them places or take public transportation to get them from point A to point B, or they just stay home. The self-driving car may be just the answer! A visually-impaired older man is shown driving the car in a YouTube video (go to http://bit.ly/KlxPUq to view the video and read the story on CNN.com). It’s exciting to think about the independence this will bring to so many older adults (Visiting Angels NJ can also help seniors maintain their independence!).
Tags: Innovation, News
