Canadian Older Adults’ Perceptions of Transitioning from Driver to Non-Driver

Abstract

Ceasing driving is associated with many negative outcomes. We examined the perceived impact of driving cessation among current older drivers. Transcripts from 92 interviews with participants from several locations across Canada were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. We identified five themes: planning for mobility change, mobility supports and neighborhoods, financial security, fearing loss of control and independence, and coping and acceptance as a part of aging. Findings highlight diverse attitudes toward driving cessation, ranging from avoidance to acceptance, and emphasize the importance of tailored resources for drivers at various stages of behavior change.

Keywords:

• Driving cessation
• mobility
• transportation
• older driver

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a Project Grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) under grant number 378157. This research received Research Ethics Board (REB) approval from Lakehead University (REB Project #: 071 16-17).