When older adults stop driving, it may impact health and well-being

Driving a car is a key factor in independent living and life satisfaction for older adults. In the U.S., driving is considered an important aspect of personal freedom and gives people a sense of control over their lives. Most adults continue to drive as they age--in fact, 81 percent of people aged 65 and older hold a driver's license in this country. However, age-related declines in physical and cognitive functions make driving more difficult for older adults, and many people eventually reduce or stop driving altogether.

In a new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, researchers reviewed 16 studies that examined the health and well-being of older adults after they stopped driving. The researchers concluded that, when older adults stop driving, their health is impacted in a variety of ways. In particular, not being able to drive nearly doubles the risk of developing symptoms of depression. The team also noted that stopping driving (also known as "driver cessation") may lead to faster declines in physical and mental health function and increased risk of death.

Several factors are likely responsible for these findings, noted the researchers. Among them: Ex-drivers have fewer out-of-home activities, and as a result may have fewer opportunities for social interaction. "For many older adults, driving is more than a privilege. It is instrumental to their daily living and is a strong indicator of self-control, personal freedom, and independence. It is almost inevitable to face the decision to stop driving during the aging process as cognitive and physical functions decline. When decision time comes, it is important to take into consideration the potential for adverse health consequences of driving cessation and to make personalized plans to maintain mobility and social activities," said Guohua Li, MD, DrPH, the senior author of the study, who is a professor of epidemiology and the founding director of the Center for Injury Epidemiology and Prevention at Columbia University.

However, Dr. Li notes, simply making alternative transportation available to older adults does not necessarily offset the adverse health effects of driving cessation. Effective programs that can ensure and prolong an older adult's mobility, as well as physical and social functioning, are needed, Dr. Li suggests.

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This summary is from "Driving Cessation and Health Outcomes in Older Adults." It appears online ahead of print in the February 2016 issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The study authors are Stanford Chihuri, MPH; Thelma J. Mielenz, PhD; Charles J. DiMaggio, PhD; Marian E. Betz, MD, MPH; Carolyn DiGuiseppi, MD, PhD; Vanya C. Jones, PhD; and Guohua Li, MD, DrPH.

This research summary was developed as a public education tool by the Health in Aging Foundation. The Foundation is a national non-profit established in 1999 by the American Geriatrics Society to bring the knowledge and expertise of geriatrics healthcare professionals to the public. We are committed to ensuring that people are empowered to advocate for high-quality care by providing them with trustworthy information and reliable resources. Last year, we reached nearly 1 million people with our resources through HealthinAging.org. We also help nurture current and future geriatrics leaders by supporting opportunities to attend educational events and increase exposure to principles of excellence on caring for older adults. For more information or to support the Foundation's work, visit http://www.HealthinAgingFoundation.org.