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New Video Game Sharpens Skills of Elderly Drivers

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Researchers at the Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer at Tohoku University want elderly drivers to devote time each day to a new video game so that they can be safer and sharper behind the wheel of a car. The Cognitive Training for Car Driving video game challenges players to complete two tasks at the same time.


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Results for the study showed that CTCD positively impacted the skills of participants who played approximately 20 minutes, five days a week. As a result of this regular practice, the game-playing elderly drivers presented better cognitive functions and car driving skills.

“These results extended our previous findings that regular use of a simple cognitive training game can benefit older adults who drive cars,” said co-leader of the research Dr. Rui Nouchi.

Next step for the research team is figuring out how CTCD can be used to help prevent car accidents involving older drivers.

Video games, in general, can help older adults feel more invigorated off the road, too.

According to A Place for Mom writer Sage Singleton, playing video games offers older adults benefits such as a greater sense of happiness, enhanced critical thinking skills, faster walking speed and improved balance.

“Video games can alter the brain’s neural network, reversing the negative signs of aging. A study found participants between ages 60 and 85 who played a 3D multitasking game for 12 hours over a month improved their performance so much that they beat 20-somethings who played the game for the first time,” reports Singleton.


Learn More: Four tips to help you drive safely in the rain


News Source: Medical Xpress, A Place for Mom