Guest Thinkers — May 4, 2011

As the Baby Boomers Age, is a Mobility Crisis Coming Down the Road?

MIT News Office‘s Peter Dizikes came by the AgeLab to discuss our research on older drivers and mobility. He posed three questions to me addressing:

Source: Peter Dizikes, MIT News Office

What are the principle safety issues surrounding older driver safety,

What is the potential of new technology to enable extended safety and mobility; and,

What is my perception of any mobility problems on the horizon as the boomers begin to turn 65 in 2011.

The interview (click here to read) is a good read. Observing, researching and working with government and business on older adult mobility for nearly 20 years I am convinced that action, urgency and creativity by individuals, governments and business MUST be applied today if we are to even marginally meet the mobility demands of aging boomers tomorrow.

Strange Maps

America’s news deserts are growing

Most counties in the U.S. have only one local newspaper, often one that publishes weekly instead of daily.

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The Present

Are smart cities a wise idea?

When Google runs a smart city, who owns the data?

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Neuropsych

Eyes wide shut: Why closing your eyes intensifies psychedelic trips

A recent study suggests that exposure to visual stimuli can diminish the effects of psychedelic drugs.

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The Future

Making microbots smart

What would it take to create a truly intelligent microbot, one that can operate independently?

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