Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, Vol 54, Issue 1 S49-S55, Copyright © 1999 by The Gerontological Society of America
Navigation and the mobility of older drivers
PC Burns
Department of Human Sciences, Loughborough University, United Kingdom. [email protected]
OBJECTIVES: Age related difficulties in navigating are believed to restrict
driving mobility. A decline in mobility can have negative implications for
peoples' well-being and independence. This problem may be more serious than
the increased risk of collision that occurs with old age. The aim of this
research was to determine the extent to which age-related difficulties in
navigating restrict car travel. METHODS: A postal questionnaire survey of
1,186 United Kingdom (U.K.) motorists (aged 21 to 85 years) was conducted
to determine more about people's mobility, the restrictions to their
driving, and their driving experience. RESULTS: As predicted, respondents
were found to report more navigation problems with increasing old age.
Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that navigation problems relate
to reduced mobility (miles per week, trips per week, and average driving
frequency) when controlling for other predictors of mobility (age, gender,
employment, health, residential location, fitness, and ability to afford
driving). DISCUSSION: This research highlights the need to have better
navigational support for drivers, particularly elderly drivers. Improved
roads signs and in-vehicle navigation aids are two solutions that might
help enhance the mobility of elderly drivers.
