Age-related changes of neural control processes and their significance for driving performance

Abstract

For an increasing number of older people driving is the main source of mobility and therefore a significant factor for quality of life and independence concerning social and working life. Driving is a complex task involving visual, motor and cognitive skills which underlie age-related changes (Anstey et al. 2005). While some of the visual and motor deficits can be compensated e.g., by visual aids and driver assistance systems, changes in cognitive functions are more challenging. Besides the increasing technical improvements in cars there are more and more training programs for older drivers. To develop successful programs or technical aids that improve driving for older people it is necessary to know the specific problems in driving that come along with increasing age and related cognitive changes.