Self-reported health conditions and related driving reduction in older drivers

Occup Ther Health Care. 2018 Oct;32(4):363-379. doi: 10.1080/07380577.2018.1522681. Epub 2018 Oct 31.

Abstract

We surveyed self-reported lifetime health conditions (using National Health and Aging Trends Study questions) and related driving reduction in a large multi-site older driver cohort (n = 2990) from the AAA Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) Study's baseline assessment. Those reporting reduced driving (n = 337) largely attributed reduction to musculoskeletal (29%), neurologic (13%), and ophthalmologic (10%) conditions. Women reported health condition-related driving reduction more often than men (14% versus 8%, p<.001). Mobility affects well-being; health professionals should consider that health conditions may cause older adults to reduce driving. Gender differences deserve attention in future research and education efforts.

Keywords: Driving safety; health conditions; mobility; older drivers.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Automobile Driving / psychology
  • Automobile Driving / statistics & numerical data*
  • Chronic Disease / rehabilitation*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Self Report
  • Sex Distribution
  • United States