Planning for driving cessation: a cross-sectional study of community dwelling older drivers (NZPATHS)

Abstract

Introduction

This study investigated the extent of driving cessation planning among older drivers, characteristics associated with planning, and types of plans made.

Method

Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from New Zealand Prospective Older Adult Transport and Health Study (NZPATHS); population-based study of 1181 community-dwelling drivers (65–97 years).

Results

Fifty-five percent of participants had considered the possibility of driving cessation; 10 % had made at least one plan (active planners), such as exploring alternative transport options. Having made active plans for driving cessation was independently associated with older age, identifying as female, and ethnicity. After adjusting for these factors, those who reported poorer health, anticipated driving problems within five years or had discussed their driving with family or friends were more likely to be active planners. They were more likely to walk or use alternate modes compared with non-planners. Conversely, drivers who considered continuing to drive to be very important, drove more kilometres, or had access to rides with others were less likely to be planners.

Conclusions

Driving cessation planning is shaped by personal perceptions and contextual factors, with older adults who perceive potential challenges to their driving or health more likely to actively prepare. Older adults who see driving as essential or have access to transport through social networks may delay or avoid planning, potentially a problem if cessation is abrupt. The importance of planning in adaptation to driving cessation and transport dependence remains unclear and longitudinal research with waves 1–4 (2016–2023) of the NZPATHS cohort is underway to examine this.