Comparison of Life-Space Activities by Driving Engagement Among Older Drivers

This study aimed to compare the differences in life-space activities among older Japanese drivers based on self-reported driving engagement in relatively difficult situations. This is a cross-sectional cohort study of 12,309 community-dwelling older drivers (mean [SD] age, 72.5 [5.1] years; 54.5% female). Driving engagement was assessed using yes/no questions regarding six driving situations, including rain, dark nights, and unfamiliar roads. Responses to the situations were categorized as “not driving,” “driving with anxiety,” and “driving without anxiety.” The Active Mobility Index (AMI) assessed the life-space and activities from respondents’ home. Analysis of covariance showed that driving with anxiety and not driving in some situations were significantly lower AMI scores compared to driving without anxiety (p < 0.05), especially in those who drive ≥ 4 situations. While driving is a correlate of life-space activities in older adults, addressing driving anxiety may help maintain life-space mobility among older drivers.