Regular Exercise and Stretching Can Help Older Drivers Keep the Keys Longer

A study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found weekly exercise and stretching can improve safe driving abilities among older adults, reports Medical Xpress . "Research shows that exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to produce positive results," said AAA's Jake Nelson. "You can spread out the time you spend being physically active over the course of your day and week. A few minutes at a time can be sufficient." U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for physically able older adults include 2.5 to five hours of moderate-intensity exercise each week, or 75 minutes to 2.5 hours of high-intensity physical activity. The regimen should include balance training and aerobic and muscle strengthening activities. Older adults should consult their doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. Getting at least seven hours of sleep every night, at minimum, also can help older adults stay alert behind the wheel.