Wheels july 2015

Š Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

July 30, 2015

Open road, windows down, music up = Summer road trips

Page B2 July 30, 2015 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

AAA study linked some health issues in seniors after they stopped driving Special to the Surveyor

The report was released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Columbia University. The AAA Foundation’s report on “Driving Cessation and Health Outcomes for Older Adults” examined declines in general health and physical, social and cognitive functions in former drivers.

The study found that older adults who have stopped driving are almost two times more likely to suffer from depression, and nearly five times as likely to enter a long-term care facility, than those who remain behind the wheel. The study examined older adults who have permanently given up driving and the impact it has on their health and mental well-being. The importance of understanding the effects this lifestyle change has on older adults is essential, as the number of drivers aged 65 and older continues to increase in the United States with nearly 81 percent of the 39.5 million seniors in this age group still behind the wheel.

“This comprehensive review of research confirmed the consequences of driving cessation in older adults,” said Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “The decision to stop driving, whether voluntary or involuntary, appears to contribute to a variety of health problems for seniors, particularly depression, as social circles are greatly reduced.”

With the cessation of driving, the study found diminished productivity and low participation in daily life activities outside of the home. It also found a risk of depression nearly doubled. Other findings included: 51 percent reduction in the size of social networks over a 13-year period; accelerated decline in cognitive ability over a 10-year period; former drivers were five times as likely to be admitted to a long term care facility.

“Maintaining independence by continuing to drive safely is important to overall health and well-being. When the decision is made to relinquish the keys, it is vital to mitigate the potential negative effects through participation in programs that allow seniors to remain mobile and socially connected,” said Kissinger.

The latest report in the AAA Foundation’s Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) project, “Driving Cessation and Health Outcomes for Older

Adults” consisted of a systemic literature review of previously published studies pertinent to the health consequences of driving cessation. Sixteen studies met the criteria for inclusion. The full report can be viewed at: https://www.aaafoundation. org/driving-cessation-and-health-outcomes-older-adults-longroad-study.

Suggestions to maintain driving independence Stay on top of your fitness to drive. AAA’s Roadwise Review is a free and easy self-assessment program that is proven to flag potential physical and mental health barriers to continued safe driving. Discuss your results with your healthcare provider to address any issues and extend your safe-driving years, or plan for a transition from driver to passenger if necessary. Taking control of your mobility can lead to more successful transitioning if and when the time comes.

Plan early and practice getting around without driving. Combat a perceived loss of control by folding transportation into your retirement plans. Where you live might change if you consider the possibility of not being able to drive. Access to public transit, paratransit, volunteer driver programs, and friends and family who can drive you is important. Also, practice utilizing these alternatives to driving to reach all of the destinations important to you. Building comfort and confidence in using these services before you must rely on them can dramatically change your view of stopping driving.

Use it or lose it. Whether it’s solving crossword puzzles, Sudoku or getting lost in your favorite book, exercising your brain can extend your years behind the wheel and help to preserve your heath even after you retire from driving.

If you have already retired from driving or know you must do so soon, commit to staying active and connected to friends, family and community. Combine trips to address daily responsibilities, like shopping for groceries or seeing your doctor, with social activities like seeing friends or volunteering in the community. Doing so will keep you active, engaged and socially connected, which research has shown will help combat adverse health effects like social isolation, depression and cognitive decline.

For more information on all the free resources AAA offers to older drivers, visit SeniorDriving.AAA.com.

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor

July 30, 2015 Page B3

The CrossBlue concept midsize SUV Special to the Surveyor

Never to be outdone in the automotive circuit, Volkswagen recently announced plans to cater to a specific market of North American families with the introduction of a midsize SUV concept called the CrossBlue. In addition to presenting another buying choice in the ever-popular SUV and light truck market, Volkswagen also will be helping to increase the number of American jobs at its Tennessee plant, which was awarded the production of the new SUV. The Volkswagen Group will be investing a total of approximately $900 million in the production of the sevenpassenger SUV, creating 2,000 additional jobs in the Chattanooga, Tenn., plant as a result.

Production should begin by late 2016, and the CrossBlue will target buyers of the Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, among others.

Plans to develop a new SUV and base production in the United States have been in the works for several years and, in July 2014, Volkswagen finally announced plans to forge ahead.

The United States of America is, and will remain, one of the most important markets for Volkswagen, said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the board of management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, in Wolfsburg. Over the past few years we have achieved a lot there. With the midsize SUV, the expansion of the Chattanooga plant and the new development center, the focus is on the wishes of the U.S. customer.

The car manufacturer previously unveiled the CrossBlue concept in a coupe version at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show and the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. The CrossBlue Coupe has a plug-in hybrid powertrain. A turbocharged direct-injection (TDI) V6 gasoline engine works together with two electric motors to produce as much as 415 horsepower. This SUV can thus perform like a sports car, with a 0-to-60 mph time of just 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 147 mph. In addition, the vehicle can be driven as a zero emissions EV for up to 13 miles at a maximum speed of 75 mph. Drivers simply push a button to use this eco-friendly mode in urban areas.

Volkswagen has not confirmed if the SUV that will begin production in a few years will be modeled entirely on the CrossBlue Coupe, but there should be similarities. Until the midsize SUV is in production, customers interested in VW products can visit a dealership or www.vw.com.