Abstract
Use of vehicle modifications might enable older drivers to stay on the road safely and provide a more gradual pathway between driving and driving cessation. Although adaptive features for automobiles have long been known by the disabilities community, they have not been well known by professionals in the network of aging programs and services or by elders themselves. This study examined the use of a video intervention to increase elders’ awareness of low-tech vehicle features. It was hypothesized that participants would have an increased awareness after viewing a video and would take steps toward using the features. The 23–min video was shown to 157 drivers age 70+ at seven Councils on Aging and senior centers in Massachusetts. The median age was 79, and 11% were age 85 and older. The participants completed pre- and postvideo questionnaires, and 127 of the participants (81%) were surveyed by phone approximately 2 months later. Familiarity significantly increased for 10 of 13 demonstrated features. On average, participants had taken two of five follow-up steps: 85% had read handouts, 63% had discussed features with family or friends, 20% had looked for features in stores or on the Internet, 9% had tried features, and only 2% had contacted a professional. Eleven percent of the telephone interviewees had purchased features. The video served the intended purpose of increasing awareness of vehicle modifications. Although some change was noted, 2 months may not have been sufficient time to observe change for the majority of the participants. Moreover, it is not known to what extent the participants may draw on this knowledge in the future, if and when they perceive a more direct need.
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