Driving Cessation and Increased Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

With increasing age, many older adults reduce and then stop driving. Increased depression may be among the consequences associated with driving reduction or cessation.

Bus use in a developing world city: Implications for the health and well-being of older passengers

“…Some studies show that poor transport use can be linked to a reduced health status (Marottoli et al, 2000;Ragland et al, 2005), and this may be worse in developing countries where transport problems are a barrier to older peoples' access to basic social services and participation in local activities (Help the Age International, 2002). Of the transport modes available to older people, public transport, and particularly buses, is one of the most viable options, especially for those who cannot afford a car, or who have ceased driving a car.…”

“I Wish We Could Normalize Driving Health:” A Qualitative Study of Clinician Discussions with Older Drivers

“…The difficulty lies in balancing safety, mobility and independence: fatal crash rates per mile travelled increase after age 75, 1 but premature driving cessation is associated with morbidity and early mortality. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Thus, the challenge is to understand how and when to identify at-risk older drivers without limiting the mobility of those who are safe. [10][11][12][13] Efforts to keep older drivers safe but mobile 10,14,15 are complicated, because cognitive, physical and sensory impairments, and their treatments, can affect driving.…”

Vision-specific and psychosocial impacts of low vision among patients with low vision at the eastern regional Low Vision Centre

“…40 For instance, cessation of driving has been found to negatively affect mental health by causing depression, and peripheral and colour vision loss affect driving. 40,41 …”