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All dressed up to feel old
What is it like to feel old? The question is not esoteric. Ford has actually developed a "feeling old simulator" to help its younger designers become more aware of the physical needs of Baby Boomers when designing new vehicles. The simulator (pictured above) comes in the shape of well-padded overalls and is known officially as the "third-age-suit".
If a 20 or 30-something designer gets dressed in one, the suit's added bulk will restrict their movements at the knees, elbows, back and neck. Its gloves will simulate a reduced sense of touch and the goggles will give them an idea of what its like to have cataracts.
According to Ford, the suit does not actually simulate specific conditions like arthritis. But it does allow simulations of worst case scenarios.
"For example, where someone can't comfortably bend his elbow to grasp the door handle and can't easily look over his shoulder when changing lanes," says Eero Laansoo, a Ford ergonomics engineer.
So has Ford come up with a suit to make you feel young again? Well, as a matter of fact, it has. And it's called the "empathy belly". It has a chest strap to simulate shortness of breath and it also has a "water belly with lead weights". It's designed to make you feel pregnant...
