Not only Homes but Cars

Reading the paper this morning, I discovered another area of design which accomodates the elderly and disabled living--your vehicle.  Who hasn't tried to get into a low-riding car and moaned at the prospect?  Ever try backing up and not being able to turn your head enough to see out the small back window?  How about arthritic hands not being able to handle small dials or buttons?


The Daily Herald Health & Fitness section article, "Best Cars for Older Drivers" makes recommendations on what to look for when car shopping:

• Wide door openings and low thresholds
• Ideal seat height between mid-thigh and lower buttocks
• Crossover sport utility vehicles are lower than SUVs and easy to slide into and out of
• Adjustable seats with lumbar support
• 6-way adjustments; forward and backward, up and down, and seat-back up and down
• Tilting or telescoping steering wheel
• Thicker steering wheel
• Keyless entry
• Power mirrors and seats
• Larger buttons on the dashboards with contrasting text
• Wide-angle mirrors
• Large back windows with good visibility
• Adjustable pedals
• Simple, non-techy interiors
• Heated seats

Also, high-tech items such as parking sensors, backup cameras and blind-spot warning systems alert drivers to objects in the way.  Did you know that there are even cars which parallel park by themselves?

They also recommend roomy vehicles for visiting grandchildren and large trunks for holding mobility scooters or golf clubs.

Some cars they recommend:

• 2009 BMW 5 Series
• 2010 Ford Taurus
• 2009 Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid
• 2009 Honda Odyssey
• 2009 Lexus SL 460
• 2009 Masda 6
• 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550
• 2009 Toyota Avalon
• 2010 Toyota Prius
• 2010 Volvo XC60

Click on the title of this blog to see more specifics on vehicles which best meet the needs of seniors.