In Japan, Nissan engineers are using “old” suits to help them understand problems associated with elderly drivers.  The automaker uses the costumes to simulate what it says are some of the effects of aging, including waist belts to simulate thicker midriffs, body casts that hamper the ability to raise arms and legs, and “cataract” goggles to simulate impaired vision and difficulty in distinguishing colors. Nissan has even released an illustration of its “old suits” (see illustration below).

April 29, 2008