Associations between emotional symptoms and self-reported aberrant driving behaviors in older adults

Objective: This study examines the prevalence of self-reported driving while intoxicated (DWI) among drivers aged 65 and older. Method: This cross-sectional study was based on baseline data from the AAA Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) study, a multisite prospective cohort study of 2,990 older adult drivers. Alcohol-related variables from the baseline questionnaire were examined in relation to demographics, health status, and driving behaviors. A logistic regression model assessed variables associated with DWI. Results: Of the 2,990 participants, 72.7% reported consuming alcohol, 15.0% reported high-risk drinking, and 3.3% reported DWI. High-risk drinking (OR = 12.01) and risky driving behaviors (OR = 13.34) were significantly associated with at least occasional DWI. Avoidance of hazardous driving conditions (OR = 0.71) and higher level of comfort during challenging driving scenarios (OR = 0.65) were less likely to be associated with DWI. Conclusion: A large number of older adults engage in high-risk drinking and DWI. Public health education and DWI-related interventions should include older adults.

Download Full-text

Self-Perceptions of Driving Ability in Older Adults With and Without Alzheimer’s Disease

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.536 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 165-166

Author(s):

Rebecca Davis ◽

Megan Owens

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Older Adults ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Early Stage ◽

Driving Safety ◽

Driving Ability ◽

Control Group ◽

Driving Frequency ◽

Driving Behaviors ◽

Chi Square Analysis

Abstract A concern for families and persons with dementia is determining when driving cessation is necessary. Older adults often modify driving behaviors as they age due to self-perception of a decline in their abilities. However, it is not known how persons with Alzheimer’s disease modify driving behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine difference in how similarly aged persons with and without Alzheimer’s disease perceive their driving behaviors and modify them. Data were collected for 48 persons with early stage AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD; and 53 similarly aged older adults without cognitive diagnoses, using a survey on driving frequency, habits, and wayfinding ability. Chi-square analysis was used to determine any statistically significant differences in reported driving habits and difficulties between the study groups. Results from the analysis showed that the majority of the sample was still driving (n=81, 83%). Persons with AD/MCI (n=33, 73%) were less likely to be driving than the control group (n=48, 91%). Of those who were still driving, those with AD/MCI were more likely to limit driving frequency, avoid driving alone and in unfamiliar routes. Worries about getting lost were more frequently noted in those with AD/MCI. The AD group was more likely to make modifications to their driving such as limiting driving to daylight hours and not driving alone. These important results indicate persons with early stage AD/MCI may have self-awareness about driving impairments and make modifications to their driving habits that may increase their driving safety.

Download Full-text

Driving Habits of Older Adults in Massachusetts: Variations by Sex, Age, Race, Income, Housing Density, and Health

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.097 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 27-28

Author(s):

Wenjun Li ◽

Elizabeth ProcterGray ◽

Kevin Kane ◽

Jie Cheng ◽

Anthony Clarke

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Independent Living ◽

Lower Percentage ◽

Housing Density ◽

Driving Behaviors ◽

The Past ◽

Excellent Health ◽

Ability To Drive ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Abstract Maintaining ability to drive is critical to independent living among older adults residing in suburban and rural communities. We administrated structured questionnaire about driving behaviors to 370 persons age 65 and older living in Central Massachusetts between 2018 and 2020. Of them, 307 were active drivers. Driving in the past year was strongly associated with being male, White race, higher income, non-urban resident, and good-to-excellent health. Advancing age was associated with lower frequency of driving, less miles driven, lower percentage of the day spent in transportation. Men and women drove with nearly equal frequency (~26 days/month), but men drove significantly more miles. Non-White drivers were significantly more likely to avoid driving out of town or in difficult conditions, even after controlling for age, sex, income, and density of residential area. In conclusion, driving behaviors differed significantly by age, sex, income, race, and housing density. Further investigation is warranted.

Download Full-text