FEBRUARY 2019 NEWSLETTER

POA

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BRAIN HEALTH Over time, we can lose the ability to quickly assess and react appropriately to the demands of driving. From something as simple as fatigue to memory loss to something as complex as Alzheimer’s, our brain health and overall mental well-being are crucial to the task of driving. Your ability to carry out the following processes should be gauged in assessing your driving fitness: • Attention and reaction time • Concentration (paying attention to changes in your driving environment) • Ability to process information quickly and accurately • Problem-solving skills (how to get help if you have a flat tire) • Memory (how to get to the doctor’s office) Stimulate your brain by trying new activities. Try testing your memory and problem-solving skills; it can be something as simple as taking a new route to a familiar location. A study by the National Institute of Health recently found that people who had cognitive training for memory, reasoning or speed of processing had 50% fewer car accidents than those in the control group.

STAY FOCUSED Driving is a demanding activity that requires your full attention to many things at the same time. Eliminate distractions inside the vehicle and minimize activities that require you to take your eyes off the road or take both hands off the wheel, especially in heavy traffic. • Put your cellphone on silent and tuck it away so you are not tempted to answer a text or phone call while driving. • Try presetting your radio with your favorite radio stations—you won’t have to look away from the road to change the station. • Refrain from eating, drinking and smoking while driving. These important tips will keep you sharp and ready to drive! Driving is demanding, so take measures to ensure good vision, brain health, and reduce distractions while on the road.

Source: www.aarpdriversafety.org

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