Ever wonder what it feels like to be 75 years old? If so, no need to wait for the natural succession of time, because a team of researchers from MIT's Agelab have designed a suit to help people understand what it feels like to be a septuagenarian.
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Dubbed AGNES (Age Gain Now Empathy System), the suit replicates the limited dexterity, flexibility, motor and visual skills that may compromise a 75-year old's body.
Joint stiffness is replicated by the suit's arm and leg braces, while leg straps limit how fast you can walk. A helmet helps mimic spinal compression while a neck brace reduces spine rotation and extension. Goggles and earplugs reduce vision and hearing.
Researchers said the the suit was designed to provide insight into the physical effects of aging. An AgeLab video explains "as demographics shift, we need to fully understand the needs of an aging population to design a future that is accessible and engaging for people of every age."
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AgeLab has also created an instrumented vehicle called AwareCar that, among other things, can help analyze what difficulties seniors may experience when driving.
AgeLab sent students out to test AGNES at grocery stores while shopping for the low-sodium, low-sugar and low-fat foods seniors might purchase. Check out the video below.
[Via GizMag]
Credit: AgeLab
Tags: Biomimetics, Design, Health, Safety and Prevention
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