Of the 37 million people age 65 and over, 29 million were licensed to drive in 2005, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. By 2020, that number is expected to reach 40 million. At this year's New York International Auto Show, AAA, in conjunction with the University of Florida, released a study of the features that older buyers should look for in a vehicle.

• Check the seats. If you have hip or leg pain, look for a seat height that falls between the driver's midthigh and lower buttocks. If the driver doesn't have a great deal of leg strength, make sure the seats can be adjusted electrically.

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Size matters. Make sure the gauges have large numbers that are easy to read. Larger buttons and switches also are worth looking for. A thick steering wheel is easier for those with arthritic hands. Power options, such as power mirrors and windows, are also worth having.•

Safety matters. A safe car reduces the chance of injury in an accident. Check the crash test and rollover ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.safercar.gov) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org/ratings). Also, look for "active" headrests that move up and forward during a crash to prevent whiplash.•

Features to look for. Keyless entry and ignition makes it easier to enter and start the vehicle. Make sure the dashboard markings have enough contrast to read easily. Look for large sun visors that extend to block the sun. Some models even have dual sun visors.•

Driving aids. Traction aids that keep you on the road, such as antilock brakes and stability control, are worth paying extra for because they can prevent an accident from happening.•

Additional items. Not mentioned in the study, but worth considering are: lane-departure warning and blind-spot detection. The first option beeps when you stray into another lane. The other flashes a light when there's a vehicle in your car's blind spot.A favorite item, no matter a person's age, is a heated steering wheel, which offers relief for aching hands after hours of gripping the wheel. It's enough to spoil drivers of any age.