Driving cessation and health trajectories in older adults.
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 degrees 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.
Edwards
Jerri D
JD
School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, MHC 1340, Tampa, FL 33620, USA. jedwards1@bcs.usf.edu
Lunsman
Melissa
M
Perkins
Martinique
M
Rebok
George W
GW
Roth
David L
DL
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D011336:Probability; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors
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