27 Jan Driving Cessation Contributes to Health Problems and Depression in Elderly
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Stanford Chihuri
Stanford Chihuri MPH
Center for Injury Epidemiology and Prevention
Department of Anesthesiology
Columbia University Medical Center
New York City, New York
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: For many older adults, driving is instrumental to their daily living and is a strong indicator of self-control, personal freedom and independence. This study assesses and synthesizes evidence in the research literature on the impact of driving cessation on subsequent health and well-being of older adults. The main findings are that driving cessation in older adults appears to contribute to a variety of health problems, particularly depression.
Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Response: Effective intervention programs to ensure and prolong mobility and physical and social functioning for older adults are needed. Such programs can help older adults transition into driving cessation.
Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of existing and new intervention programs in mitigating adverse health outcomes such as depression in older ex-drivers. In addition, carefully designed studies should continue to focus on the impact of driving cessation in older adults.
Medical Research: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: When it’s time for older adults to cease driving, it is important to take into consideration health consequences of driving cessation and make personalized plans to maintain mobility and social functions.
Citation:
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Stanford Chihuri MPH (2016). Driving Cessation Contributes to Health Problems and Depression in Elderly
Last Updated on January 28, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD