The relationship between driving habits and health-related\nquality of life in older drivers has been examined by new research. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AAA Foundation commissioned researchers at Columbia\nUniversity to evaluate eight factors \u2013 depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep\ndisturbance, pain interference, physical functioning, pain intensity and\nparticipation in social activities \u2013 to determine how changes in physical,\nmental and social health affect driving mobility for older adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The researchers found that certain driving habits (low\nmileage, less driving space and involvement in more crashes) were associated\nwith participants experiencing less physical functioning and more pain, fatigue\nand depressive symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOlder adults who give up the keys are more likely to suffer\nfrom depression than those who remain behind the wheel,\u201d said Dr. David Yang, Executive\nDirector of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. \u201cIt is important that we\nfind ways to keep older drivers in good physical health in order to extend\ntheir mobility.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AAA recommends that simple steps, like weekly exercise and\nstretching, can improve safe driving abilities and keep older adults on the\nroad longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSome decline in physical fitness is inevitable as we age,\u201d\nsaid Jake Nelson, AAA Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research. \u201cBut,\nresearch shows that exercise doesn\u2019t have to be strenuous to produce positive\nresults. You can spread out the time you spend being physically active over the\ncourse of your day and week. A few minutes at a time can be sufficient.\nSimple steps to keep active can keep you driving safely for longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AAA provides exercise tips including a series\nof stretches<\/a> to help improve neck, shoulder, trunk, back and\noverall body flexibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n