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Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
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Health Status and Driving Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
1Department of Nursing, Gyeongsang National University, 861-15 Jinju-daero, Jinju-si 52727, Republic of Korea.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Older adults who stopped driving often had more chronic diseases, depression, and cognitive issues. Health assessments are crucial for safe driving and independent mobility in seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Independent mobility in older adults is vital for quality of life.
- Mobility is linked to cognitive and physical health, influenced by various factors.
- Understanding health impacts on driving is key for aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between health factors and driving status in community-dwelling older adults.
- To compare health profiles of older adults who drive versus those who have ceased driving.
Main Methods:
- Secondary data analysis of the 2023 Korean Elderly Survey (N=4114, aged ≥65).
- Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and weighted binary logistic regressions.
- Comparison between current drivers and those who stopped driving.
Main Results:
- Factors associated with driving cessation: ≥2 chronic diseases, diagnosed depression, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) dependency, visual discomfort, depression risk, suspected cognitive impairment, and poor self-rated health.
- Individuals with Parkinson's disease did not drive.
- Polypharmacy (≥5 medications) and specific chronic diseases were not statistically significant predictors of driving cessation.
Conclusions:
- Older drivers may underestimate health-related risks affecting driving ability.
- Health-centered driving fitness assessments and continuous education are essential for safe mobility.
- Promoting awareness of health impacts on driving supports continued independence.
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