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Abstract

Objectives:

To examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected driving and health outcomes in older adults.

Methods:

We compared Advancing Understanding of Transportation Options (AUTO) study participants enrolled before (December 2019 to March 2020) versus during the pandemic (May 2020 to June 2021). Participants were English-speaking, licensed drivers (≥70 years) who drove weekly and had a primary care provider at a study site and ≥1 medical condition potentially associated with driving cessation. We used baseline self-reported measures on mobility and health.

Results:

Compared to those enrolled pre-COVID-19 (n = 61), more participants enrolled during COVID-19 (n = 240) reported driving reductions (26% vs. 70%, p < .001) and more often for personal preference (vs. medical/emotional reasons). While mean social isolation was higher during than pre-COVID-19, self-reported depression, stress, and overall health PROMIS scores did not differ significantly.

Discussion:

Our findings highlight the resiliency of some older adults and have implications for mitigating the negative effects of driving cessation.

Keywords

driving COVID-19 well-being

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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adult Driving in the United States

Abstract

Objectives:

Methods:

Results:

Discussion:

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References

Supplementary Material