Drivers over 65 told to place one item in car to | Tech News

Older motorists might keep maintain of their driving licence and keep on the roads for longer by becoming one device in their vehicle, a research has discovered. Installing a satellite tv for pc navigation GPS system might help “keep” older drivers on UK roads for longer, permitting people to “maintain their driving independence” for longer. 

A new study from the University of East Anglia shows that people over 65 with GPS sat-nav systems installed “tend to drive more frequently.” This means those without the system won’t get behind the wheel as often, effectively forcing themselves off the road. Many modern vehicles already have built-in navigation tools on their infotainment systems. 

However, those with the keys to a slightly older vehicle could pick up a decent sat nav device for just £100.

Professor Hornberger, spokesperson for UEA’s Norwich Medical School, stressed the GPS systems would help older road users with their sense of direction. 

He said: “We found that a considerable majority of older drivers use navigation assistance at least for some journeys, and commonly for the entire journey to a new destination.

“Older people with a poorer sense of direction rely more on Sat Navs. 

“But the really important thing we found is that those who use GPS tend to drive more frequently than those who do not, suggesting that these tools help mitigate against spatial orientation difficulties and help maintain driving mobility.

“This means that if we support older drivers with using GPS navigation, it could really help maintain their driving independence, keeping them on the roads safely for longer,”

As half of the research, experts studied 895 UK drivers aged over 65, with the average age of participants found to be 71. 

The participants self-reported how often and far they tend to drive, how their sense of direction was and how they have a tendency to use GPS instruments whereas behind the wheel.

Not solely do trendy sat navs stroll by instructions, many are additionally readily available to present pace alerts and visitors updates. 

It means aged people can concentrate on their driving with out having to fear about the rest, 

Professor Hornberger added: “Driving is usually the preferred mode of transport among older adults, and it can be vital for maintaining independence, quality of life, wellbeing, and cognitive health as we age.

“But age-related cognitive decline means that people might experience worsening spatial abilities, leading them to drive less and less.”