Semi-Autonomous Vehicles as a Cognitive Assistive Device for Older Adults

Abstract

Losing the capacity to drive due to age-related cognitive decline can have a detrimental impact on the daily life functioning of older adults living alone and in remote areas. Semi-autonomous vehicles (SAVs) could have the potential to preserve driving independence of this population with high health needs. This paper explores if SAVs could be used as a cognitive assistive device for older aging drivers with cognitive challenges. We illustrate the impact of age-related changes of cognitive functions on driving capacity. Furthermore, following an overview on the current state of SAVs, we propose a model for connecting cognitive health needs of older drivers to SAVs. The model demonstrates the connections between cognitive changes experienced by aging drivers, their impact on actual driving, car sensors’ features, and vehicle automation. Finally, we present challenges that should be considered when using the constantly changing smart vehicle technology, adapting it to aging drivers and vice versa. This paper sheds light on age-related cognitive characteristics that should be considered when developing future SAVs manufacturing policies which may potentially help decrease the impact of cognitive change on older adult drivers.

Older Adult Willingness to Use Fully Autonomous Vehicle (FAV) Ride Sharing

“…Knoefel and colleagues (2019) noted that AV availability could profoundly affect the mobility of older adults who can no longer perform the tasks required for safe driving due to cognitive impairments: "In a similar way that glasses aid in visual clarity, and walkers support walking independence, driving automation could help decrease the impact of cognitive change on older adult driving" [6]. While ride sharing is a transportation option that stands to mitigate the consequences of driving cessation and support continued mobility of older adults, many services including TNCs are only in the beginning stages of creating systems to address the needs of people with special mobility considerations [4].…”

“…However, as noted, increased exposure to AV technology may increase older adult comfort with self-driving vehicles [5,17]. There are also opportunities to increase training on the technology so that older adults better understand AV technology and its usage [6,19]. Identifying opportunities to involve older adults in AVs, over time, may increase comfort and willingness to use FAV ride sharing among older adults.…”

“…These types of changes in physical and mental health may contribute to driving cessation [4]. Driving cessation among older adults results in decreased mobility, which has negative effects on social connectedness, general health and wellbeing, and independence, among other impacts [4][5][6].…”

“…The potential benefits of adopting AV technology include enhanced mobility, efficiency and convenience, economic and societal benefits, and safety [11,15]. AV technology also has the potential to delay driving retirement among older adults [6] and increase mobility among those who have stopped driving [16]. However, for older adults to realize the potential benefits of AVs, they need to understand and trust the technology [5,6].…”

“…AV technology also has the potential to delay driving retirement among older adults [6] and increase mobility among those who have stopped driving [16]. However, for older adults to realize the potential benefits of AVs, they need to understand and trust the technology [5,6]. Older adults who are familiar with self-driving cars reported higher perceived trust and perceived safety of the technology [17], and in an AV simulator study of older adults, early findings indicate that exposure to AV technology may increase trust and perceived safety of AV technology [5].…”