Changes in Driving Patterns and Worsening Depressive Symptoms Among the Elderly

This study examines whether changes in the driving patterns of Older Americans - driving cessation and reduction - have negative consequences on their depressive symptoms and whether these consequences are mitigated for those individuals with a spouse who drives. The findings, consistent with previous research and one of the hypotheses, show that respondents who stop driving are more likely to later report worsening depressive symptoms. Respondents who restricted their driving distances before the study began are also at risk, though less than those who stop driving completely, of worsening depressive symptoms, while those who restricted distances relatively recently are not a greater risk. Contrary to expectations, results also show that the effects of driving cessation on worsening depressive symptoms are not mitigated by the presence of a spouse who drives.

Health Status/Depressive Symptoms/Driving Patterns/Basic Demographics

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