New research from a study from Pennsylvania State University suggests that older adults who participate in cognitive training are more likely to be driving 10 years later than those who don't.
Two training exercises seemed to have the best results: reasoning and divided attention, according to a release from the university. The former had brain teasers that taught problem solving and the latter focused on perception, with individuals being shown objects on a screen and answering questions about what they saw. Memory training was also used, having participants categorize lists of words, such as errands or a grocery list.
Those who experienced these two types of training were 49 to 55 percent more likely to still be drivers 10 years after the completion of the study. Those who received additional divided attention training were 70 percent more likely to still be driving at the end of that time. These participants were assessed seven times in 10 years of study.
Lesley A. Ross,
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