If your loved ones aren’t quite as steady on their feet as they used to be, fear not – help is at hand.
The solution, according to its Japanese inventors, is this bizarre ‘human airbag’.
Sensors on a vest strapped round the wearer’s waist detect if he or she is taking a tumble.
Sadly, the 2 1/2lb (1.1kg) device, made by Japanese firm Prop, does have one or two drawbacks.
It only protects the wearer if he or she falls backwards, not forwards, and the price – around $1250 – seems a little-inflated.
The airbag was unveiled at the International Home Care and Rehabilitation Exhibition in Tokyo, where it was displayed by Prop president Mitsuya Uchida.
Americans are unlikely to find out for themselves if it’s worth it, however, as the airbag is not yet available here.
Around 22 per cent of Japan’s population, nearly 30 million people, are over 65.
As well as the airbag, recent inventions to assist them include slippers with lights and a teapot which alerts family members if its owner does not make enough tea.
Source: MailOnline Link Filed under Weird World News
