The Subjective Experiences of Driving Cessation and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

Compared to the driving group, the driving cessation group in this study was found to be a high-risk population in terms of their life satisfaction. This study evaluated data from 315 older adults, aged 55 or older, using the 2018 Korean Older Adults Driving and Mobility Service Trend Survey. These data were collected from 17 representative cities and provinces in South Korea. To minimize the potential for selection bias and the confounding factors inherent in observational studies, this study employed the propensity score matching (PSM) method. Following the matching, multivariate regression analyses were conducted to compare the driving cessation group (n = 65) with the driving group (n = 50) in terms of their life satisfaction. After adjusting for demographic and health-related variables, the older adults who had ceased driving were found to have lower life satisfaction (Coef. = −1.39, p-value = 0.018). Our results highlight the importance of establishing preliminary evidence to guide the development of tailored programs for older adults—especially for those likely to experience diminished life satisfaction and heightened risk—to address the mobility challenges stemming from driving cessation.