Turning off the Ignition: A Scoping Review on the Impact of Relinquishing or Having a Driver's License Revoked on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Those Individuals Aged 65 and Older

  • 0Community Division, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel.

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Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Driving cessation significantly impacts older adults

Area Of Science

  • Gerontology
  • Public Health
  • Psychology

Background

  • Driving is crucial for independence among older adults, particularly in rural areas.
  • Loss of driving ability negatively affects mental health and overall well-being.
  • Limited transportation options exacerbate challenges for older adults post-driving cessation.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To examine the mental health and well-being impacts of driving cessation in adults aged 65 and older.
  • To review the psychological consequences of voluntary and involuntary driving cessation.
  • To identify factors influencing the experiences of older adults after relinquishing driving privileges.

Main Methods

  • A comprehensive scoping review of studies published up to December 2024.
  • Electronic searches conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar.
  • Inclusion of 18 studies examining the effects of driving cessation on older adults' well-being.

Main Results

  • Driving cessation is linked to increased depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
  • Planned transitions from driving result in better psychological outcomes than imposed cessation.
  • Men showed steeper declines in physical function and higher mortality associations post-cessation.
  • Rural residents and those with limited transport face greater challenges.
  • Alternative transportation and social support mitigate negative impacts.

Conclusions

  • Driving cessation poses significant psychosocial risks for older adults.
  • Support strategies must address both mobility needs and mental well-being.
  • Tailored interventions are needed for different demographics (e.g., gender, location).
  • Facilitating access to transportation and social networks is vital for successful transitions.

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