Time use, role participation and life satisfaction of older people: Impact of driving status

Abstract

Background/aim: Driving cessation has been recognised as affecting the health and wellbeing of older people. Further exploration of the impact of driving status on time use, role participation and life satisfaction was required. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 234 older people (current drivers, retired drivers and people who have never driven) was employed. Time use in the previous week, role participation and life satisfaction were measured and compared between the groups, while controlling for sociodemographic variables (health status, activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living status, gender, age and living situation). Results: When compared to current drivers, retired drivers had significantly lower life satisfaction (P=0.01), fewer present roles (P<0.0001) and were less likely to participate in volunteer (P=0.005) and family member roles (P=0.009). Retired drivers spent less time on social leisure (P=0.002) and away from home (P=0.0001), and more time in solitary leisure (P= 0.0001). Comparing the participation of retired drivers with those who had never driven indicated that retired drivers spent significantly less time in volunteer work (P=0.009). Conclusions: The findings indicate that older non-drivers may require support for participation and wellbeing. © 2011 Occupational Therapy Australia.