Streets, Buses and Cars
Being able to go out of doors, along the street to the shops, and use public transport to access many different services and facilities is fundamental to independence and quality of life. Yet the poor design of streets and urban infrastructure can be very isolating, especially where there is a fear of crime. Working with local and regional government agencies and with older people, SPARC is developing new tools for urban planners, to help create safe streets and open spaces. Planning a viable public transport system that meets the needs of older people in terms of routes, timetables and quality of service is extremely complex and requires a close rapport with users. SPARC is developing new approaches for transport planners to help them achieve this. For many people their car is a life line. SPARC award holders are researching how older drivers use their cars, what helps them, and the implications of new technology.
Design and community regeneration: investigating personal safety concerns in socio-economically deprived communities
Professor Richard Neale, Glamorgan University
9 months, £28,640
General Poster: Community Regeneration,
Scientific Poster
Executive Summary: Design and Community Regeneration: older people in socio-economically deprived communities in South Wales
Keywords: Safety, Design, User-led, Inclusion
An Interview with Dr Jo Waters (MP3, 3MB): Design and Community Regeneration: older people in socio-economically deprived communities in South Wales
Older people, especially in socio-economically deprived areas, have considerable concerns about crime and personal safety. Understanding these fears and how they can be reduced is a priority if older people are to enjoy their later years and remain integrated into society. Using virtual reality technology to explore users' perceptions about environments, the project will encourage community participation and user-led solutions to the design of urban environments. The ultimate aim is positive social change which leads to safer and more accessible communities.
Transport and older people: integrating transport planning tools with users needs
Dr Gregory Marsden, Leeds University & Dr Mima Cattan,
Leeds Metropolitan University
9 months, £24,963
General Poster: Transport & Older People,
Scientific Poster
Executive Summary: Older People and Transport: integrating transport planning tools and user needs
Keywords: Older People, Transport, Planning, Accessibility
An Interview with Dr Greg Marsden & Dr Mima Cattan (MP3, 4.4MB): Planning better transport systems
The lack of good transport options can be a significant barrier to social inclusion and independence. The majority of pensioners do not have access to a car, and suffer more than most from poor public transport and badly maintained transport infrastructure. The study will develop new tools for understanding the transport needs and aspirations of older people particularly with a view to helping local authorities develop their accessibility planning for key services such as healthcare, supermarkets and employment sites. It will identify ways in which older people can have a stronger voice in transport planning.
Promoting safe driving behaviour through technology: attitudes of older drivers
Dr Charles Musselwhite, Bournemouth University
14 months, £27,691
General Poster: Car Drivers,
Scientific Poster
Executive Summary: Prolonging Safe Driving Behaviour Through Technology: attitudes of older drivers
Keywords: Technology, Needs, Ergonomics, Attitudes
An Interview with Dr Charles Musselwhite (MP3, 7MB): Safer driving and in-car technology
Owning and being able to use a motor vehicle ensures that some older people can maintain their mobility and accessibility to local amenities and participate fully in society. This in turn affords them with important feelings of self confidence, independence, self-esteem, and protection. However many older people become anxious and give up driving. This is for a host of reasons often related to physiological and cognitive functioning which have at their roots issues relating to working memory and information possessing. The study will look at the extent to which new technologies accommodate the needs of older people and help or hinder older drivers, so as to aid safe car driving.
Advanced technology desires, needs and requirements of older drivers
Mike Bradley, Middlesex University
18 months, £55,500
General Poster: Automative Technology
Executive Summary: What Do Older Drivers Want From New Technologies?
Keywords: Ageing, Drivers, Vehicles, Technology
An Interview with Suzette Keith (MP3, 2.8MB): What Do Older Drivers Want From New Technologies?
New technologies can be made more user friendly through involving users in their development from the outset and adopting the philosophy of inclusive design. However designers, often working under time and financial pressures, have little experience of designing for all abilities and they do not have the data or methodologies for investigating the needs of the broader population, especially older and disabled people. This work will develop methods of synchronising older driver requirements with the development of specifications for older driver-friendly new vehicles and vehicle components.
SPARC Projects: Overview | Life in the Home | Streets, Buses and Cars | Care Systems | The Older Worker | Product and Interface Design | Cognition and Communication | Vision | Exercise and Diet | Chemical Biology of Ageing | Oxidative Stress and Ageing Mechanisms | SPARC Project downloads | SPARC Awards Background | Eligibility | Special Features | Resources | Review Process | FAQs about applications for SPARC Awards | Awards: Downloads | Funded Programmes |
