BACKGROUND: Driving cessation can lead to myriad negative consequences for older adults. The purpose of these analyses was to examine driving status as a predictor of mortality among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 660 community-dwelling adults ranging in age between 63 and 97 years. Between 2000 and 2004, participants completed performance-based assessments of vision, cognition, and physical abilities and indexes of health, depression, self-efficacy, and driving habits. Follow-up telephone interviews were completed approximately 3 years later. RESULTS: Among community-dwelling older adults, older age, health, poor near visual acuity, depressive symptoms, compromised cognitive status, and being a nondriver are associated with increased risk for a 3-year mortality. Nondrivers were four to six times more likely to die than drivers during the subsequent 3-year period. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to drive represents both a sign of cherished independence and underlying health and well-being for older adults. Retaining this ability is an important health concern in the United States.
BACKGROUND: Driving cessation can lead to myriad negative consequences for older adults. The purpose of these analyses was to examine driving status as a predictor of mortality among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 660 community-dwelling adults ranging in age between 63 and 97 years. Between 2000 and 2004, participants completed performance-based assessments of vision, cognition, and physical abilities and indexes of health, depression, self-efficacy, and driving habits. Follow-up telephone interviews were completed approximately 3 years later. RESULTS: Among community-dwelling older adults, older age, health, poor near visual acuity, depressive symptoms, compromised cognitive status, and being a nondriver are associated with increased risk for a 3-year mortality. Nondrivers were four to six times more likely to die than drivers during the subsequent 3-year period. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to drive represents both a sign of cherished independence and underlying health and well-being for older adults. Retaining this ability is an important health concern in the United States.
Authors: J B Jobe; D M Smith; K Ball; S L Tennstedt; M Marsiske; S L Willis; G W Rebok; J N Morris; K F Helmers; M D Leveck; K Kleinman Journal: Control Clin Trials Date: 2001-08
Authors: Jerri D Edwards; Melissa Lunsman; Martinique Perkins; George W Rebok; David L Roth Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2009-08-12 Impact factor: 6.053
Authors: Sabyasachi Sengupta; Suzanne W van Landingham; Sharon D Solomon; Diana V Do; David S Friedman; Pradeep Y Ramulu Journal: Ophthalmology Date: 2013-11-28 Impact factor: 12.079