Toward Safe and Confident Silver Drivers:Interview StudyInvestigating Older Adults'Driving Practices

Background: As the aging population in the United States continues to increase rapidly, preserving the mobility and independenceof older adults becomes increasingly critical for enabling aging in place successfully. While personal vehicular transport remainsa popular choice among this demographic due to its provision of independence and control over their lives, age-related changesmay heighten the risk of common driving errors and diminish driving abilities.Objective: This study aims to investigate the driving practices of older adults and their efforts to maintain safe and confidentdriving habits. Specifically, we sought to identify the factors that positively and negatively influence older adults'drivingperformance and confidence, as well as the existing efforts put into sustaining their driving abilities.Methods: We recruited 20 adults aged >= 65 years who remained active drivers during the recruitment from the greater NewYork area. Then, we conducted semistructured interviews with them to examine their perceptions, needs, and challenges regardingsafe and confident driving.Results: Our findings uncovered a notable disparity between older adults'self-perceived driving skills and the challenges theyface, particularly caused by age-related limitations and health conditions such as vision and memory declines and medicationroutines. Drawing on these findings, we proposed strategies to bridge this gap and empower older adults to drive safely andconfidently, including fostering a realistic understanding of their capabilities, encouraging open dialogue regarding their driving,encouraging regular assessments, and increasing awareness of available resources.Conclusions: This study uncovered a noticeable disparity between the perceived driving competence of older adults and theactual challenges they confront while driving. This divergence underscores a significant need for better support beyond the existingaid available to preserve older adults'driving skills. We hope that our recommendations will offer valuable insights for practitionersand scholars committed to enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for older adults as they age in their homes