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The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences Advance Access originally published online on August 12, 2009
The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 2009 64A(12):1290-1295; doi:10.1093/gerona/glp114
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Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America 2009.

Driving Cessation and Health Trajectories in Older Adults

Jerri D. Edwards1, Melissa Lunsman1, Martinique Perkins2, George W. Rebok3 and David L. Roth4

1 School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa
2 Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
3 Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
4 Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Author correspondence to Jerri D. Edwards, PhD, School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, MHC 1340, Tampa, FL 33620. Email: jedwards1{at}bcs.usf.edu


  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° 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.

Keywords Older drivers; Driving cessation; Health

Received: April 8, 2009; Accepted: July 10, 2009

Decision Editor: Darryl Wieland, MPH, PhD


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