There are a select few features that stand out as senior deal sealers. Unlike with real estate purchases, down sizing is not always the goal. Instead, selling features that take precedence coincide and assist age related challenges. Vans are a popular choice for young families because of their ability to tote children (and their many friends) too and from places. Sporting practices and games comes to mind. Seniors, although attending such functions as grandparents, may not at first glance appear to be “van material”. Yet many vans are housed in seniors' garages each night.

For seniors it is the ease of getting in and out of a van that is appealing. This is understandable when you take into consideration the difficulty that simply bending forward to sit down can be for people as they age. Vans, unlike lower based cars, for this reason are less pain provoking. A roomy cabin head space is complimented with floors that are flatter and the seat itself is hip level. Reduced needless bending is a feel good feature. Preheating car seats is another feel good option and both driver and passenger sides are available in the Toyota Avalon. Toyota has done their research and these two options are clearly designed for customers with aching backs.

Other senior-friendly features of Toyota include a standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel that make it easy for drivers to optimize their seating position. Dexterity has not been overlooked either. For the large majority of senior people with a weaken grasp Toyota's Avalon keyless ignition allows drivers to start their vans with the simple touch of a button.

Put this package all together and it becomes clearer why today's seniors are roaming around town in their lengthy Toyota vans; possibly the new town car of seniors.