Researchers in the United Kingdom conducted a qualitative study of the impact having to give up driving has on the quality of life of older adults. Fifty-seven older adults ages 65 to 92 participated in a series of focus groups and telephone interviews and kept a travel diary for a four-week period. They expressed the importance of mobility as a means to maintain vitality and good health by being able to access food and visit doctors when needed.

Mobility and access to meaningful destinations (e.g., stores, health services, libraries, etc.) have been shown to be important factors influencing quality of life. As strong as this link is and as straightforward as it seems, it is helpful to consider just what this relationship entails. Take, for example, someone who experiences reduced mobility or someone who may have less motor skills and cannot access transportation. The relationship between these things and quality of life are driven by a significantly reduced number of social interactions and access to community resources.

The respondents demonstrated a diverse set of needs related to travel during the course of the study. First, they relayed utilitarian needs to the researchers. It’s easy to underestimate the importance of being able to access goods and services that fulfill the wants and needs of older adults; however, this type of travel is the most important. Affective needs were satisfied by mobility, which elevated participants’ sense of independence and self-control. Even the possibility of having a car available was comforting enough for some. Being able to drive allowed them to remain embedded within their social networks and remain engaged in community life.

The experiences of losing one’s independence in regards to driving are common for caregivers. Most often the decision is made to give up a vehicle for the good of the care recipient. Far too often the loss of independence and the access to social life and community resources that the car gives the older adult is taken for granted. The impact that this has on the quality of life of older adults is tremendous, especially in areas where access to public transportation alternatives do not exist or are inadequate. Special care should be taken to ensure that social relationships with friends and neighbors are sustained. Exploring the mobility options that are still available to the older adult without a car is important as well.

Source: Musselwhite, C., Haddad, H. 2010. Mobility, accessibility and quality of later life. Quality in Ageing and Older Adults 11(1): 25-39.