Japan aging suit puts car makers in senior circuit

Nissan employee Naoki Yamamoto gets into a car as he wears an "aging suit" designed to simulate the physical effects of aging at the Nissan Technical Centre in Atsugi, west of Tokyo, April 15, 2008.

ATSUGI, Japan (Reuters) -- Planning for your old age? Designers in Japan are.

Carmaker Nissan Motor is using a specialized driver's suit and goggles to simulate the bad balance, stiff joints, weaker eyesight and extra five kilograms (11lbs) that may accompany senior citizenry.

Associate chief designer Etsuhiro Watanabe says the suit's weight and constriction help in determining functionality and accessibility within cars by putting young designers not only in the minds of the mobility-challenged, but also in their bodies. full story