Mobility Changes: Their Nature, Effects, and Meaning for Elders Who Reduce or Cease Driving

Abstract

Definite mobility changes occur when older drivers reduce or cease driving. In a majority of cases, mobility declines. Fewer trips will be taken, shorter distances will be traveled, fewer or no trips will be taken under certain conditions, and the older person will be more often traveling according to the schedules and convenience of others. Older drivers make about six trips/week, in contrast to two trips/week for older nondrivers. The older person who reduces or ceases driving bears the brunt of the changes that occur in terms of monetary, social, psychological, and emotional costs. When it is not possible to maintain previous connections established by our elderly citizens, society suffers from the lack of access to the expertise of these older adults as well as from the loss of their productivity as workers and volunteers. Thus there are many reasons to take steps to reduce the potential mobility losses associated with the reduction or cessation of driving. The concept that life depends on driving is less prevalent when other travel options are available. Adults who had access to a well-developed public transportation system and who could live in close proximity to the kinds of shopping and recreational opportunities that appeal to seniors felt that a car was not a necessity to live an active life. They could control their mobility choices and could make reasoned choices about whether to drive.