20 Minutes a Day Can Help Older Drivers Cut Auto Accidents

The AARP used to be called the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), but it dropped the full name as not being entirely suitable; many US people over 50 join the AARP well before they retire.  There are many benefits, but one is their affiliation with Hartford Insurance Group.  This association has led to the Hartford helping to create a computer-based brain fitness program, DriveSharp®.  “It’s the only clinically proven program to improve the driving skills of older drivers”, according to the creators, Posit Science Corporation. Playing for 20 minutes a day, three times a week, helps drivers cut their crash risk up to 50%, stop 22 feet sooner when driving 55 mph, and drive at night with more confidence. 

The public can buy the DriveSharp program online for $10 off the retail price.  While you’re on the Hartford site, take a look at their Everyday Brain Fitness Tips – here’s a selection from them:

Eat dark chocolate - it causes the brain to release dopamine, which improves overall brain function and your memory.

Eat fish – as mom told you, fish is brain food.

Exercise your peripheral vision - The next time you’re sitting some place outside of your house, such as a restaurant, or a bench at the mall, stare straight ahead for several seconds and don’t move your eyes. Mentally note everything you can see without moving your eyes.  Write down everything you saw. Then, try again and see if you can add to your list.

Play ball - Throwing a ball up in the air and catching it, or better yet, trying your hand at juggling, will improve your hand-eye coordination.

Exercise - Exercise brings benefits for the hippocampus, an important brain structure for learning and memory function, and it can help the brain create new cells.

Turn down the volume - The next time you’re watching TV, try turning the volume down a little from where you normally have it set.  Concentrate and see if you can follow just as well as you did at the louder volume.  Keep turning it down notch by notch, listening closely to hear the increasingly softer tones.  With this training, you’ll find it easier to catch every word of day-to-day conversations.

Do a jigsaw puzzle - Choose one that is on the difficult side – at least 500 pieces. Jigsaw puzzles require fine visual judgments about where pieces belong and entail mentally “rotating” the pieces, manipulating them in your hands, and shifting your attention from the small piece to the “big picture.”  

Walk on a rocky road - Scientists believe that walking on uneven surfaces like cobblestones improves the vestibular system of the inner ear, which plays a central role in balance and equilibrium. It may also lower your blood pressure!

Use your other hand - You probably do day-to-day activities such as eating and combing your hair with your dominant hand.  But try mixing it up a bit.  Brushing your teeth is a good place to start. Try brushing your teeth with your subordinate hand and keep practicing until you master it. Practicing an activity like this can drive your brain to make positive changes.