Dataset Information

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

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.

SUBMITTER: Betz ME

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9378355 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

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

Betz Marian E ME Fowler Nicole R NR Han S Duke SD Hill Linda L LL Johnson Rachel L RL Meador Lauren L Omeragic Faris F Peterson Ryan A RA DiGuiseppi Carolyn C

Journal of applied gerontology : the official journal of the Southern Gerontological Society 20220518 8

<h4>Objectives</h4>To examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected driving and health outcomes in older adults.<h4>Methods</h4>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 drivin ...[more]

PMID: 35583182

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Dataset Information

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

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Publications

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

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