One-on-One
Issue: September/October 2009
"brain fitness is key to
driving sharp"
While our kids are the ones who go back to school each fall, it is a long-held conviction of mine that we, as adults, should take a cue from them by continuing to learn—even after our formal educations come to an end. The knowledge and experience we gain from keeping our minds engaged are not only fulfilling, they are, according to a growing body of research, also vital to retaining our mental acumen and agility as we age.
Scientists use the word neuroplasticity to describe the brain’s ability to grow tissue in response to activities that require certain types of thought and action. The research suggests that even such entertaining pursuits as crossword puzzles and bridge games can provide benefits to one’s long-term mental health. The findings are also helping experts develop “brain-fitness” software to enhance people’s abilities to perform such tasks as driving a motor vehicle.
At AAA Washington, our commitment to ensuring the mobility of our members, in all phases of life, inspires us to offer child-seat inspections, advocate graduated teen-licensing laws, and support such programs as CarFit and mature-driver education. As part of this commitment, we are pleased to offer DriveSharp, the leading brain-fitness technology for drivers, at an exclusive rate to our members. Produced by Posit Science, DriveSharp consists of computer exercises that have been shown to improve reaction times, visual-processing speeds and driving abilities. The software is marketed primarily to mature drivers, but people of all ages can benefit from the technology. This has been validated by the National Institutes of Health and recommended by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (click here for more information). Not only do the exercises provide a healthy way to sharpen your mental skills, they are also fun enough to make you feel like a kid again—just in time for back-to-school.
Charles Liekweg, President
