Why Rural Elders Drive Against Advice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the reasons rural elders continue to drive against the advice of health professionals, family, or friends. Interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 45 older adults living in isolated communities with populations ranging from 225 to 8,700 residents. Findings suggest that declining health was the primary reason the participants were advised to stop driving. They refused to do so because they did not believe they were unsafe, valued their independence, and feared isolation if they could not drive. Significant reassurance that they would not be forgotten would be required for them to stop driving.