'Granny Nav' could keep seniors driving longer

Older drivers in the UK could get help from a new GPS system for seniors (Photographer/Organization) Scientists in the UK are using technology to help older drivers feel more confident behind the wheel.

According to researchers at Newscastle University, developments like their "Granny-Nav" system will keep seniors driving for longer, reducing the isolation that often occurs when a person gives up their license.

"For many older people, particularly those living alone or in rural areas, driving is essential for maintaining their independence," said Phil Blythe, professor of intelligent transport systems at Newcastle University, to the BBC.

"But we all have to accept that as we get older our reactions slow down and this often results in people avoiding any potentially challenging driving conditions and losing confidence in their driving skills. The result is that people stop driving before they really need to."

Granny-Nav functions like an in-car GPS with highly simplified instructions, using pictures of mail boxes or pubs as turning cues. The system is being developed as part of a $19.34 million "social inclusion through the digital economy" project led by Newcastle.

To determine how older drivers can benefit from new technology like this, Blythe's team converted an electric car into a mobile laboratory they call "DriveLAB."

The car can track eye movements, monitor concentration and gauge stress levels. So far, approximately 20 octogenarians from England and Scotland have taken the DriveLAB for a spin.

The full scope of DriveLAB's research will be presented at an Aging, Mobility and Quality of Life conference in Michigan in June.