Psychosocial aspects of driving transitions in elders with low vision

Abstract

Although it has been suggested that the decision to stop driving is complex, there has been little research addressing the psychosocial influences on this decision. Two exploratory studies were conducted focusing on the psychosocial aspects of driving among older adults who are visually impaired. Results from multivariate analyses in Study 1 (n = 453) indicated that being older, female, more severely visually and functionally impaired, and urban residence were independently related to driving cessation. Qualitative findings from Study 2 (n = 47) suggested that the meaning ascribed to driving may influence the decision-making process. Further, family members may play a more influential role over time. A conceptual framework, based on models of health behavior change, is proposed that could guide future research on driving. Such work would facilitate a better understanding of the transition from driver to ex-driver, which could then inform interventions for older adults and their families faced with this critical decision. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract)