Work

Older adults' perspectives on annual medical assessments for driving: A qualitative investigation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Despite their importance, annual medical assessments for driving (AMAD) can be considered stressful or confronting for older adults. A driver's licence represents a sense of freedom and independence, both of which are needed for optimal quality of life. This qualitative study explored older adults' experiences and opinions regarding these assessments, focusing particularly on cognitive function and how it relates to driving. A total of 34 (14 females) older adults aged 60 years and over ( M age = 73 years, SD = 9, range = 60–93) were included in this study, and underwent an interview via telephone. Seventeen participants (50%) reported having experience with AMAD due to meeting the age requirement of 75 years, with an additional two participants having prior experience with assessments due to a health condition. The data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes and 2 subthemes were produced from the data: (1) AMAD are important for road safety; (2) AMAD produce a variety of emotional responses; (3) AMAD appear to be ineffective with little face validity; (4) there are inconsistencies in how AMAD are performed and (5) AMAD require improvement; (5a) AMAD should involve practical skills testing; and (5b) mixed opinions exist as to whether an independent assessor should conduct AMAD. While participants recognised the importance of AMAD for public safety, they expressed they should not be conducted on the basis of chronological age. Concerns were also raised regarding the standardisation and face validity of AMAD, with several suggestions for improvement being reported. This study provides a deeper insight into how older adults perceive AMAD and highlight potential ways in which they could be improved. • Participants recognised the importance of medical assessments for driving. • However, participants expressed that older age should not be considered a driving disability. • Concerns were raised regarding the efficacy, face validity and consistency of assessments. • Suggestions were provided to improve these assessments.

Source: Journal of Transport & Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2025.102047

Authors: Kayla B. Stefanidis, Taren Mieran, Mathew. J. Summers

Institution: University of the Sunshine Coast

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: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,720