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Are the Physical and Cognitive Functions of Older Adults Affected by Having a Driver’s License?—A Pilot Study of Suburban Dwellers

Author

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  • Keisuke Itotani

    (Department of General Rehabilitation, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Yamato University, 2-5-1 Katayama-cho, Suita 564-0082, Osaka, Japan)

  • Ippei Suganuma

    (Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyoto Tachibana University, 34 Oyakeyamada-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8175, Japan)

  • Hiroyuki Fujita

    (Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Care, Osaka University of Human Sciences, 1-4-1 Shoujaku, Settsu 566-8510, Osaka, Japan)

Abstract

Previous studies have frequently reported that those with a driver’s license have better physical and cognitive functions than those without. However, there are many people in the world who do not need or who cannot have a driver’s license. We hypothesized that if the non-driver’s license group had the same or better physical and cognitive functioning as the driver’s license group, they could lead healthy lives without the risk of functional decline or loss of functioning due to surrendering their licenses or giving up driving. The subjects were 47 community-dwelling older adults. We measured their physical function and cognitive function and performed psychological assessment via the following tests: grip strength, Timed Up and Go test, walking speed, Five Times Sit to Stand test, Functional Reach test, Two-Step Test, Mini-Mental State Examination, Trail Making Test, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, and University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. In previous studies, it has been said that having a driver’s license provides good physical, cognitive, and psychological functions. However, in this study, loneliness and executive function were strongly influenced by age and sex, and no direct relationship to a driver’s license was suggested. Rather, non-driver license holders may be relieved because there is no risk of accidents due to driving, and there is no possibility of a suddenly decline in physical or cognitive function due to revocation of a driver’s license.

Suggested Citation

  • Keisuke Itotani & Ippei Suganuma & Hiroyuki Fujita, 2022. "Are the Physical and Cognitive Functions of Older Adults Affected by Having a Driver’s License?—A Pilot Study of Suburban Dwellers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-9, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:8:p:4573-:d:790953
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stephanie J. Fonda & Robert B. Wallace & A. Regula Herzog, 2001. "Changes in Driving Patterns and Worsening Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 56(6), pages 343-351.
    2. Richard A. Marottoli & Carlos F. Mendes de Leon & Thomas A. Glass & Christianna S. Williams & Leo M. Cooney & Lisa F. Berkman, 2000. "Consequences of Driving Cessation," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 55(6), pages 334-340.
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