Improving the Driving of Community-Dwelling Older Canadians: A Randomized Controlled Trial. (16th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vrkljan, Brenda; Sangrar, Ruheena; Griffith, Lauren; Letts, Lori; Porter, Michelle
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 4(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 730
• Page End: 730
• Publication Date: 2020-12-16
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2594
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Older Canadians, similar to aging drivers in many other countries, want to drive, need to drive, and live in communities where driving is both valued and necessary for out-of-home participation. Many community-dwelling seniors are medically fit-to-drive, yet their collision risk remains higher than most other age groups, which some have attributed to their propensity to drive shorter distances in high-traffic areas (Antin et al., 2017). In this randomized controlled trial, the effect of a customized video-based older driver training program on behind-the-wheel performance was captured using the latest technology for an on-road evaluation. Results indicated the mean reduction in number of driving errors [mean (95% CI)=-12.0(-16.5, -7.6), p<0.001] favoured the intervention group where their change between baseline and 4-week follow-up was statistically significant [mean(95% CI)=-10.3(-13.8, -6.8), p<0.001], but not for the control group [mean (95% CI)=1.7(-0.08, 4.2), p>0.05]. Our novel, video-based approach that provided individualized feedback improved driving performance for older drivers. Part of a symposium sponsored by Transportation and Aging Interest Group.