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Driving Cessation and Health Trajectories in Older Adults

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Older adults who cease driving have poorer health than those who continue to drive. However, it is unclear whether the transition to driving cessation itself results in health declines or whether driving cessation subsequently exacerbates health declines over time. METHODS: The current study addresses these questions using multilevel modeling among 690 older adults from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly study. Driving status and health, as indicated by the SF-36 questionnaire, self-rated health, physical performance (Turn 360 degrees Test), and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and at 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up visits. RESULTS: The transition to driving cessation was accompanied by significant declines in physical and social functioning, physical performance, and physical role (ps < .05). Health declines after driving cessation were steeper for general health. CONCLUSIONS: The transition to driving cessation is associated with health declines for older adults as measured by several indicators. Additionally, general health declines more sharply following driving cessation. These findings highlight the importance of interventions to sustain driving mobility among older adults.

Source: The Journals of Gerontology Series A

DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glp114

Authors: J. D. Edwards, M. Lunsman, M. Perkins, G. W. Rebok, D. L. Roth

Institutions: University of South Florida, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Johns Hopkins University

Language: English

Topic: Older Adults Driving Studies

Subfield: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Nursing Research