Older Adults' Motivations for Participating in a "Tune-Up" of Their Driving Skills: A Multi-Stakeholder Analysis. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sangrar, Ruheena; Mun, Kyung Joon; Griffith, Lauren E.; Letts, Lori; Vrkljan, Brenda
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 40:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: 1297
• Page End: 1304
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: driving -- education -- focus groups -- mobility -- transportation; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/0733464820982413
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

Abstract

Driver training has the potential to keep older adults safe behind-the-wheel for longer, yet there is limited evidence describing factors that influence their willingness to participate in training. Focus groups with community-dwelling older drivers ( n = 23; 70–90 years) and semi-structured interviews with driving instructors ( n = 6) and occupational therapists ( n = 5) were conducted to identify these factors. Qualitative descriptive analyses highlighted how self-awareness of behind-the-wheel abilities in later life can influence an older adult's motivation to participate in driver training, as well as their willingness to discuss their behaviors. Collision-involvement and near-misses prompted participants to reflect on their driving abilities and their openness to feedback. Participants' preferences for learning contexts that use a strengths-based approach and validate the driving experience of older drivers, while providing feedback on behind-the-wheel performance, were raised. Older driver training initiatives that consider the needs of the aging population in their design can promote road safety and community mobility.