Joanne E Taylor1, Martin J Connolly2, Rebecca Brookland3, Ari Samaranayaka4. 1. School of Psychology, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Electronic address: j.e.taylor@massey.ac.nz. 2. School of Medicine, University of Auckland, and Waitemata District Health Board, Waitemata Clinical Campus, Level 1, Building 5, North Shore Hospital, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. Electronic address: Martin.Connolly@waitematadhb.govt.nz. 3. Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. Electronic address: rebecca.brookland@otago.ac.nz. 4. Biostatistics Unit, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. Electronic address: ari.samaranayaka@otago.ac.nz.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: Driving anxiety is a heterogeneous experience that can impact on everyday activities. Little is known about whether older adults experience driving anxiety and, if so, what impact it has on their health, functioning, and quality of life. This is particularly important given the ageing population and driving patterns of older drivers. The present study examines the extent of self-reported driving anxiety in older adult drivers. DESIGN: Population survey of community-dwelling older drivers. SETTING: New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: 1170 adults aged 65 and over. MEASUREMENTS: Self-reported ratings of driving anxiety. RESULTS: 62.3% of participants reported no driving anxiety, 27.0% reported mild driving anxiety and 10.7% endorsed more moderate to extreme levels of driving anxiety, which is higher than has been identified with adults aged 55-72. Women were significantly more often (p < .01) represented in the groups of mildly and moderately anxious drivers, and those who were moderately to extremely anxious were more likely to be aged 70+ (p < .04). Those with moderate to severe driving anxiety tended to drive less often, for shorter distances, and to use alternative modes of transport more often than those with mild or no driving anxiety. CONCLUSION: Driving anxiety is experienced by many older adults, with quite a large proportion reporting high levels of driving anxiety and associated differences in driving patterns. Further research is needed to better understand why older drivers experience driving anxiety, and how it impacts health and wellbeing as well as driving self-regulation and cessation.
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: Driving anxiety is a heterogeneous experience that can impact on everyday activities. Little is known about whether older adults experience driving anxiety and, if so, what impact it has on their health, functioning, and quality of life. This is particularly important given the ageing population and driving patterns of older drivers. The present study examines the extent of self-reported driving anxiety in older adult drivers. DESIGN: Population survey of community-dwelling older drivers. SETTING: New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: 1170 adults aged 65 and over. MEASUREMENTS: Self-reported ratings of driving anxiety. RESULTS: 62.3% of participants reported no driving anxiety, 27.0% reported mild driving anxiety and 10.7% endorsed more moderate to extreme levels of driving anxiety, which is higher than has been identified with adults aged 55-72. Women were significantly more often (p < .01) represented in the groups of mildly and moderately anxious drivers, and those who were moderately to extremely anxious were more likely to be aged 70+ (p < .04). Those with moderate to severe driving anxiety tended to drive less often, for shorter distances, and to use alternative modes of transport more often than those with mild or no driving anxiety. CONCLUSION: Driving anxiety is experienced by many older adults, with quite a large proportion reporting high levels of driving anxiety and associated differences in driving patterns. Further research is needed to better understand why older drivers experience driving anxiety, and how it impacts health and wellbeing as well as driving self-regulation and cessation.
Authors: Marie-Hélène Uwents; Cathérine Jorissen; Angelique Van Ombergen; Bieke Dobbels; Raymond van de Berg; Sebastien Janssens de Varebeke; Marc Lammers; Veerle Ross; Olivier Vanderveken; Tom Brijs; Vincent Van Rompaey Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol Date: 2021-05-31 Impact factor: 2.503
Authors: Stephanie Book; Gudrun Ulbrecht; Johanna Tomandl; Thomas Kuehlein; Susann Gotthardt; Ellen Freiberger; Elmar Graessel Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2020-11-23 Impact factor: 2.692