Evaluation of a group intervention to promote older people's adjustment to driving cessation

Funded Activity Summary

As a result of age-related changes, chronic medical conditions, the side-effects of medication or a combination of these, many older people decide or are required to give up driving. Driving is a highly valued role, associated with freedom, independence and convenience. Because of this, the transition to driving cessation can be traumatic and associated with depression, social isolation and compromised well-being. Despite the frequent reporting of poor outcomes for older people after driving cessation, limited attention has been given to developing and evaluating methods to help older people prepare for and cope with this transition. This study will evaluate the effect of a group intervention on older people's episodes away from home, use of alternative transport modes, life satisfaction, depression, and self-rated performance of and satisfaction with up to five lifestyle goals related to transport. This study will contribute to evidence for the effectiveness of a group intervention versus usual practice (which is to say, no intervention) to help older people maintain their well-being and stay engaged in valued roles, activities and the community after retiring from driving. It will also contribute to the theoretical underpinnings of adjustment after undergoing the transition to retired driver.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2007

End Date: 01-01-2009

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $350,755.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Geriatrics and Gerontology

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Ageing | Chronic disease | Community participation | Driving cessation | Older people | Transport

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