Think faster, focus better and react quicker on the road by using a computer trainer.
While there is a clinically proven brain fitness-training tool that helps older adults reduce their likelihood of being in an auto accident, it is virtually unknown among drivers.
According to a survey from The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG), 74% of drivers are unaware of the benefits of using a computer-based program, DriveSharp, for 20 minutes a day, three times a week.
If they do, DriveSharp can help older drivers cut their crash risk up to 50%, stop 22 feet sooner when driving at 55 mph, increase their useful field of view by 200%, decrease dangerous driving maneuvers by 36%, and bolster confidence while driving at night and in other stressful conditions.
“DriveSharp was tested by a global team of more than 50 scientists and based on research funded by the National Institutes of Health,” according to Steven Aldrich, CEO, Posit Science Corp., the developer of the program.
Aldrich says DriveSharp is a research-based program that helps older adults think faster, focus better and react quicker on the road.
In the Hartford research, about half of all adults surveyed believed that older drivers can improve their skills to allow them to drive safely for more years, but drivers under 40 are least likely to believe there is anything an older driver can do to improve their skills. Ah, the hubris of immortal youth, who at this moment are happily texting their way into oblivion. (See Senate Kicks Distracted Driving Back to the States)
The brain fitness survey also found that while more than 60% of adults participate in an activity with the specific purpose of improving their brain, adults older than 60 are the most likely age group to say they often participate in activities with the specific purpose of improving their brain.
“It is important for drivers to understand that they can take an active role in staying safe on the road as they age,” said Jodi Olshevski, gerontologist and assistant vice president of The Hartford.
As part of The Hartford’s ongoing “Safe Driving for a Lifetime” public awareness campaign, it has collaborated with Posit Science to offer discounts on the brain fitness software. For a limited time, The Hartford will offer the DriveSharp software to the public for $10 off the $89 retail price at www.hartfordbrainfitness.com. In addition, for Hartford policyholders who are the primary driver and complete the DriveSharp program consisting of about 10 hours of training, The Hartford will send a reward check for $50.
10 Brain Fitness Tips
- Eat dark chocolate – Dark chocolate causes your brain to release dopamine, a chemical that improves overall brain function and improves your memory.
- Eat fish – Studies suggest that a diet rich in fish – especially fatty fish like salmon – can improve brain function.
- Play ball – Throwing a ball up in the air and catching it, or better yet, trying your hand at juggling, can improve your hand-eye coordination and carries widespread brain health benefits. (Ignore the Baltimore Orioles’ current record on this one.)
- Rest up – Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to brain function, and particularly memory.
- Make your hobbies harder – Take on something a bit more difficult than you’re used to. By putting higher demands on your brain, you will have to concentrate harder and re-engage your brain’s learning ability.
- 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 and translates to better balance.
- Visit a museum – Go on a guided tour and pay very careful attention to what you see and hear. When you get home, write an outline of the tour that includes every detail you remember. Paying attention and practicing remembering can help the brain pump brain chemicals that assist memory and improve brain function.
- Exercise your brain – Use brain fitness exercises like DriveSharp that promotes the ability for drivers to think faster, focus better, and react more quickly.
- Learn to play a new instrument – Playing an instrument helps you exercise many interrelated dimensions of brain function, including listening, control of refined movement, and translation of written notes (sight) to music (movement and sound).
- Use your other hand – While you may find it difficult at first, practicing an activity such as brushing your teeth with your subordinate hand can drive your brain to make positive changes.