Meaningful Activities and Psychosomatic Functions in Japanese Older Adults after Driving Cessation

Atsushi Nakamura,Takayuki Tabira,Hyuma Makizako,Yuriko Ikeda,Suguru Shimokihara,Mitsuru Ohishi,Masaaki Miyata,Keiichiro Tokuda,Takuro Kubozono,Michio Maruta,Hironori Miyata,Gwanghee Han

doi:10.3390/ijerph182413270

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the differences in meaningful activities and psychosomatic function depending on the driving status of community-dwelling older adults. Data from 594 older adults were obtained, including activities meaningful to individuals and psychosomatic functions, such as grip strength, depression, cognitive function, and ability of activity. Participants were divided into active driving (n = 549) and after driving cessation (n = 45) groups. In addition, the active driving group was operationally divided into three groups: high-frequency group (n = 387), medium group (n = 119), and infrequent group (n = 42). In the after driving cessation group, grip strength, and Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence scores were significantly lower. Furthermore, the proportion of apathy and physical and social frailty was significantly higher in the after driving cessation group. Regarding meaningful activity, domestic life scores in the after driving cessation group were significantly higher than those of the active driving group. Decreased driving frequency in the active driving group was associated with weak muscle strength, lack of interest, and low activity. This study demonstrated that meaningful activity differed based on the driving status. Hence, we should support the activities of older adults who are considering driving cessation.

Highlights

In Japan, the number of driver’s license holders aged 75 years and above is increasing, causing many fatal accidents [1]
We examined the participants’ depressive state [8,9,10], cognitive function [7], frailty [11,12], and apathy [32], which have been reported to be related to driving cessation in previous studies
Of the meaningful activity categories selected by the active driving and after driving cessation groups, the ratio that selected leisure was high in both groups (Figure 2)

Summary

Introduction

In Japan, the number of driver’s license holders aged 75 years and above is increasing, causing many fatal accidents [1]. To resolve this problem in recent years, a supportive environment that involves, for example, driving aptitude consultations and support measures for older drivers considering driving cessation, has been promoted to make it easier for them to return their driver’s licenses. Previous studies on driving cessation have reported that musculoskeletal and neurological problems, visual problems, and cognitive.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion