Life After Driving: A Community-Dwelling Senior's Experience

ABSTRACT

Driving cessation may lead to sedentary lifestyles and isolation for seniors who are unprepared for the transition. This pilot study about cessation of driving used a case study design to explore the choices and adaptations of a 73-year-old nondriving senior, who lived alone. Interviews, a journal, and observations generated four themes: (a) when driving is no longer an option; (b) the value of others; (c) still active at home and in the community; and (d) difficulties with alternative transportation. The participant experienced inconveniences of driving cessation, but few negative consequences. She appeared to have a strong locus of control and felt fully responsible for her decision of not driving. She took responsibility for managing alternative transportation, had realistic expectations of the obstacles she might encounter with a plan in place for transitioning to nondriving, and the perception that her life had become less stressful and richer through her meaningful relationships with others.

KEYWORDS. :

• Occupational therapy
• community living
• driving cessation
• occupational performance
• seniors