A Nissan survey indicates that individuals desire future technology to assist them in maintaining independence as they age.
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Brad Ashton, a 93-year-old grandfather of five from Enfield, has praised Nissan’s autonomous driving technology, stating his belief that it can help older motorists retain their mobility and independence.

Recently, he experienced this groundbreaking technology firsthand during Nissan’s evolvAD research project. As a retired comedy script-writer with a driving history from 1947, Brad drives a Nissan Micra to look after his wife, Valerie, and visit a local bakery.

Reflecting on his ride, he remarked, “New technology like this is fantastic, and it’s essential to embrace it… I felt safe and relaxed throughout the experience. Being able to drive is crucial for my independence, especially since the local bus service is lacking, and my wife can’t use the bus.” This technology will assist individuals like me in staying connected and preventing isolation, especially in rural regions where transport options are scarce. It would also be fantastic if future driverless cars could aid in locating parking spaces.”

His trip coincided with a significant survey by Nissan on how technology can aid older individuals in addressing loneliness and isolation.

A recent OnePoll survey of 1,000 participants aged over 70 found that more than half would feel disempowered if they had to stop driving, and nearly 63 per cent emphasised the importance of not relying on others for everyday transportation, such as shopping or visiting friends.

Sixty-four per cent expressed interest in future inventions, such as driverless cars, to help maintain their independence, with one in five inclined to use a self-driving car for mobility.

Mobility is vital for older adults to maintain contact with others, as 21 percent favour face-to-face communication over online methods.

Nissan, recognised as a leader in autonomous driving, announced the successful completion of the evolvAD project in the UK. This project involved over 16,000 miles of accident-free autonomous driving and builds on prior initiatives aimed at making autonomous mobility a reality.

David Moss, Senior Vice President of Research & Development for Nissan’s AMIEO region, emphasised the significance of this technology in enhancing driving safety and efficiency while ensuring mobility access for individuals facing age-related or disability challenges. The team at Nissan Technical Centre Europe continues to innovate, looking forward to delivering autonomous mobility services to customers soon.

Key findings from the Nissan/OnePoll survey of 1,000 individuals aged over 70, conducted in March 2025:

  • Nearly two-thirds of respondents (64%) expressed a desire for future technology to help them maintain their independence in later life.
  • A significant 63% do not want to rely on others for assistance with everyday activities, such as shopping or transportation.
  • One-third (36%) of those living in rural areas feel socially isolated due to their inability to drive.
  • About one in five respondents (21%) prefer in-person communication with family and friends when they are apart.
  • When asked about the experience of riding in a self-driving car, respondents reported feeling: nervous (67%), intrigued (24%), amazed (12%), and excited (11%).
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