title: Assessment of Readiness for Mobility Transition (ARMT): a tool for mobility transition counseling with older adults.
abstract: Individualized assessment is important when counseling older adults concerning the transition from driving to nondriving mobility. This study validated a measure of emotional and attitudinal readiness in support of mobility transition counseling (MTC). Items derived from a mixed-methods approach were administered by mailed questionnaire to community-dwelling adults (n = 297; ages 57-95). Factor analysis was employed to form the 24-item Assessment of Readiness for Mobility Transition (ARMT). The ARMT-Total Score (ARMT-TS) demonstrated sound internal consistency and split-half reliability (.88 each). The ARMT-TS correlated as hypothesized with validity measures, including self-reported physical functioning, mental health, and openness to experience. High scorers, who evidenced strong self-reliance and an unwillingness to be a burden on others, are considered to be at risk when faced with a significant mobility transition. An appreciation for such differences can allow for personalized, tailored discussion and planning for when it is time to "hang up the keys."
authors.affiliation: University of Missouri-St. Louis, MO, USA. meusert@umsl.edu
authors.forename: Thomas M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Meuser
authors.forename: Marla
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berg-Weger
authors.forename: John T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Chibnall
authors.forename: Annie C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Harmon
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Stowe
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: assessment; counseling; individual differences; mobility; planning