Driving Cessation and Social Isolation in Older Adults
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: This study investigated the impact of driving cessation on social isolation in older adults. Method: Data were obtained from Rounds 1 through 6 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. The study sample consisted of 6,916 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 or above who were eligible drivers at baseline. Mixed-effects ordered logistic regression and piecewise regression were used to examine the impact of driving cessation on social isolation. Results: In multivariable mixed-effects ordered logistic regression, past-year nondrivers had a twofold increase in the odds of being in a higher social isolation category (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, p < .001). Piecewise regression analysis showed that social isolation scores increased by 0.08 points ( p = .024) following an incident of driving cessation. Discussion: Driving cessation is associated with a higher risk of social isolation in older adults. Interventions to reduce social isolation among older adults may improve public health by targeting older adults who have recently stopped driving.
Source: Journal of Aging and Health
Authors: Weidi Qin, Xiaoling Xiang, Harry Taylor
Language: English
Topic: Older Adults Driving Studies
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2969947574