Biopsychosocial differences between drivers and non-drivers over the age of 74

Abstract

The growing aging population will lead to an increased number of elderly drivers. There are few epidemiological studies that have approached this issue. Our aim was to compare the biopsychosocial characteristics of elderly drivers vs. elderly non-drivers. The method was a door-to-door population-based cross-sectional study of a sample consisting of inhabitants over 75 years of age in the Anglés (Girona) Basic Healthcare Area. The study protocol included an extensive biopsychosocial assessment using standardized instruments. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the variables associated with driving. A total of 875 inhabitants participated in the study (82%). The prevalence of drivers in this age group was 24.8% (95% confidence interval—CI = 21.9–27.7). The variables associated with driving were age, sex, visual acuity, physical self-concept and cognitive and functional capacity. Of the drivers, 45.8% (CI = 38.9–52.7) were undergoing treatment with central nervous system drugs. The findings of this study suggest that age, gender, visual acuity, functional independence, preserved cognitive functioning and positive physical self-concept are correlated to the driving ability in elderly aged 75 years and over. Implications for driving practices related with these variables are discussed.