Retirement Living TV (RLTV), the first network for people 55+, and AAA are two companies that are truly committed to the safety and well being of mature adults. Today, Brad Knight, President of RLTV, announced that collaboration between the channel and AAA is underway -- one that will bring about a new and entertaining way for seniors to get the tools they need to reduce the risks associated with driving.
 
There are over 70 million people in the United States that are 55+ and they are one of the nation's fastest growing demographic. "It is vital that as our senior population increases resources are made available to address their specific and unique needs. One area that is often overlooked is safe driving practices," said Elliot Jacobson, VP of programming and production for RLTV.
 
AAA currently has a federation-wide priority initiative, entitled Lifelong Safe Mobility. While the initiative takes a comprehensive approach to senior driver safety by focusing on the driver, vehicle and roadway, the collaboration between RLTV and AAA will begin with a new show focused on the driver. RLTV will produce segments that will showcase each of AAA's senior mobility programs, products and services. The segments will begin airing in the month of November on Daily Cafe, a two-hour show produced live from Washington, DC. The topics of the segments are broad and varied and include essential issues such as vision and aging, medications and impaired driving, risk management, fatigue and drowsy driving. "It is part of the AAA mission to help seniors stay mobile for as long as safely possible and working with Retirement Living TV is a great way to reach and share valuable information with this audience," said Yolanda L. Clark, managing director of public relations for AAA.
 
Though seniors are more likely to wear safety belts and less likely to drink and drive or speed, they're more likely to be hurt in a car crash. RLTV and AAA's senior driving programs are being developed in an attempt to decrease the number of older adults injured in vehicle collisions. "Seniors are the population that we serve and this project is just one way that RLTV is fulfilling our commitment to informing, involving and inspiring this demographic," said Jacobson.
 
Besides the Mature Operator's Program, a driver training program for seniors, AAA has created several programs aimed at keeping older drivers safe on the road. Roadwise Review is a CD-ROM available from AAA clubs that helps seniors assess their own driving ability in the privacy of their own homes. CarFit(R), which is a collaboration among ASA, AARP and AAA, is a 12-point evaluation to ensure that senior drivers are sitting properly in their vehicle and that the driver's seat, seat belt, mirrors, steering wheel, head rest, gas/brake pedals and other controls are positioned properly. In 2008, AAA and the University of Florida will unveil a new car evaluation program that will showcase the best car features for older drivers.
 
Ed Baxter and Kathy Filosi Nelson serve as executive producers on this project.
 
About Retirement Living TV
 
Retirement Living TV (RLTV) is the only network dedicated to informing, involving and inspiring people aged 55+. Launched in September 2006, the network has all original programming with established celebrities and journalists on topics including health, lifestyle, finance and politics. RLTV is the expert in the field of aging, guided by an internationally recognized team of gerontologists and researchers in addition to world class partners. The award-winning network is seen in 29 million homes across North America on DirecTV, Comcast and other video providers or by logging on to http://www.rl.tv/.
 
About AAA
 
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 50 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at http://www.aaa.com/.

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