title: Reconsidering the "Asphalt Identikit".
abstract: Background/Aim The "asphalt identikit" theory suggests that driving cessation inevitably leads to feelings of incompetence and dependency. This article challenges this proposition by investigating the driving-related possible selves of British older adults living in West London. Methods Thematic analysis of data from 19 of 39 interviews in which older adults participating in a larger study talked about driving in the context of their grocery shopping. Results Three themes were evident: "I can drive - that makes a huge difference," "Expecting to lose my license," and "I gave up my license." Discussion Driving cessation is not a dreaded possible self for all older adults. Older adults may use a variety of identity maintenance processes to retain their positive sense of self. Conclusions Mental well-being can be maintained during driving cessation by finding ways to compensate for the loss of a license and finding alternative ways of achieving hoped-for possible selves.
authors.affiliation: 1 Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: Nicola Ann
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Plastow
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D011582:Psychological Theory; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept
keywords: aged; automobile driving; possible selves; social identification