Internal Factors that Influence Coping in Older Drivers’ Transition to Non-Driving

Abstract

Quality of life outcomes are associated with the transition to non-driving and depend on effective coping. We examined the relationship between internal factors associated with effective coping and longitudinal changes in travel behavior among drivers aged ≥70 using data from a randomized controlled trial evaluating a driving decision aid. We measured attitudes using the Assessment of Readiness for Mobility Transition (ARMT) and personality using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). We analyzed associations between attitudes and personality with drivers’ change in a) alternative transportation use and b) driving behavior over time. Older drivers with high versus low attitudinal readiness for mobility transition were more likely to use alternative transportation over time (adjusted odds ratio = 6.37; 95% confidence interval: 1.45–28.1). We found no association between personality characteristics and alternative transportation use or driving behavior over time. Attitudinal readiness may be a key predictor of effective coping during the transition to non-driving.