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Regular Exercise and Stretching Can Help Mature Drivers Keep the Keys Longer


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New AAA research shows fatigue and poor physical functioning are leading factors that cause older adults to stop driving

New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that increased fatigue and poor physical functioning are leading factors that can result in mature adults limiting their driving. But simple steps, like weekly exercise and stretching can improve safe driving abilities and keep mature adults on the road longer.

The AAA Foundation commissioned researchers at Columbia University to evaluate eight domains – depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain interference, physical functioning, pain intensity and participation in social activities – to determine how changes in physical, mental and social health affect driving mobility for seniors. The report found that fatigue and poor physical functioning are most common among mature drivers who spend less time behind the wheel.

“Staying behind the wheel is important in helping senior drivers avoid factors like depression, so it’s important to find safe ways to extend their mobility,” says Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs at AAA East Central. “While there is some decline in physical fitness that is inevitable with age, even moderate exercise can go a long way towards producing positive results.”

Research shows that daily exercise and stretching can help mature drivers to improve overall body flexibility and move more freely to observe the road from all angles. Physical strength also helps drivers remain alert to potential hazards on the road and perform essential driving functions, like:

Getting Into and out of vehicle
Braking
Steering
Parking
Looking to the side and rear
Adjusting the safety belts
Sitting for long periods of time
Scratching your Balls
Using ATM drive through
Paying tolls
In car sex
Reaching back to smack grandkids; Others? Send To msnide@theautochannel.com

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that seniors who are physically able get between 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise each week, or between 75 minutes to 2.5 hours of high-intensity physical activity. The exercises should include balance training as well as aerobic and muscle strengthening activities. Mature adults should consult their doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen. They should also talk with a healthcare provider about ways to combat fatigue. Prioritizing getting at least seven hours of sleep each night can help seniors stay alert behind the wheel.

AAA recommends a series of stretches to improve neck, shoulder, trunk, back and overall body flexibility. As a leading advocate for senior driver safety, AAA also offers a variety of programs and resources to help mature adults improve their driving performance and avoid crashes. For more information on AAA resources for older drivers, such as RoadWise online/classroom courses or other programs that help seniors better “fit” with their vehicles, visit www.SeniorDriving.AAA.com.

About LongROAD: Recognizing that lifestyle changes, and innovative technologies and medical advancements will have a significant impact on the driving experiences of the baby boomer generation, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety launched a ground-breaking, multi-year research program to more fully understand and meet the safety and mobility needs of senior drivers in the United States. The AAA LongROAD (Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers) study is one of the largest and most comprehensive databases available on senior drivers incorporating 2,990 participants being followed for five years. It will support in-depth studies of senior driving and mobility to better understand risks and develop effective countermeasures.

About AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a not-for-profit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org.