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Brain Training Extends Older Drivers' Confidence & Skill

Think it’s time for Grandma to turn in the keys? Maybe not. Even when driving ability begins to decrease, two new studies prove that there are ways to extend and improve it for high-risk seniors. Brain training, done for 10 hours over 5 weeks in the Staying Keen in Later Life (SKILL) study, decreased the high-risk drivers’ risk the to the same as the low-risk driving group. Their confidence with driving at night, in poor weather, and in high traffic also improved.

A second study (Active Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly) combined with the SKILL study proved that brain training delays the end of driving for older people. By using an interactive software exercise called DriveSharp, they build ability to respond quickly in making driving decisions, enabling them to continue driving.

"Science has brought us new ways to improve and extend driving," said Dr. Edwards, assistant professor at the University of South Florida and lead author on the studies. "It does not need to be a choice between uneasiness about continued driving and negative outcomes that come from taking away the keys, because we can now train older drivers to improve their driving skills."

(Source: Posit Science)

For more driving safety tips from RTM, see our Auto Safety & Security section.

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Tips to Stay Fit on the Road

It’s ok! Don't despair if cross-continent business trips and out-of-state family gatherings are putting a dent in your exercise program. All it takes is a little planning to get you back in the groove. Here are a few ways to make to help you stay on track while traveling.

·  Variety is the spice of life, so use your travel as a chance to try something new. Look for new fitness classes at local gyms, try a new cardio machine, or consider taking your bathing suit if you're staying at a hotel that has an indoor pool.

·  See if you're hotel offers a morning or evening running/jogging group, it will keep you fit and show you a bit of the area from a new perspective.

More tips on how to tone up while traveling on RTM.

A Community Solution to Childhood Obesity

Obesity has become a major life-threatening issue, especially in America, and sadly enough, especially in children. And little do people realize this has an everlasting effect on the quality and longevity of children’s lives, as well as the adverse economic costs to our nation.

Many families, due to their busy lifestyles, have adopted to less than healthy food options and are eating out more than ever. Not only is this affecting their weight, but they are not teaching their children the basics when it comes to nutritional values. It's time for families to educate themselves, in order to ensure their children are leading healthy lifestyles.

Paul R. Ehrmann, D.O., a Royal Oak, Mich., family practice physician offers a new approach to curbing childhood obesity in his book GENERATION XL: The Childhood Obesity Pandemic – a Community-Based Solution.

"The worldwide childhood obesity pandemic threatens the quality and longevity of our children’s lives. As the debilitating physical and emotional results of childhood obesity continue to sharply increase, concerned parents are searching for effective methods of preventing this suffering in their children," Dr. Ehrmann said.

Read more about the solution to childhood obesity on RTM.

Top Destinations for a Healthy and Active Trip

Now is the ideal time to set annual fitness goals, so pack your bags, head out and get moving! Besides, travel is about opening your eyes and seeing the world - not hiding the comfy confines of a guestroom.

Kenai Peninsula, AK
Hike, pedal, paddle, float and walk your way through Alaska's Kenai Peninsula where vast mountains, abundant wildilfe and dazzling glaciers provide stunning scenery everywhere you turn. Backroad's Alaksa MultiSport trip is ideal for adventure-seekers and wraps the package up in a pleasant six days. Families that are interested should check out the Family Deluxe Camping and Family Casual Inns version of the trip.

San Diego, CA
California oufitter Hike Bike Kayak San Diego is the city's first and largest multi-sport tour operator offering year-round outdoor adventures like surfing, snorkeling, walking and those that are title-worthy as convenient weekend getaways. Special fitness vacations for families, singles, women and couples are available and include cool options like the Pedal & Paddle Family Special, La Jolla Plunge bike tour and 3-Day Adventure Camp.

Click here for more destinations where you can have an active and healthy getaway.