Road traffic accidents involving elderly people: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To identify the epidemiological and socio-demographic profile of elderly victims of traffic accidents reported in articles published in scientific literature from 2013 to 2018. Method: The Literatura Latino Americana em Ciências da Saúde (Latin American Literature in Health Sciences), Base de Dados de Enfermagem (Database in Nursing), Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online databases were used, with the guiding question being: What is the scientific production on traffic accidents involving elderly people? A total of 355 articles were found. After the application of the selection criteria, 16 were evaluated, and nine remained for final analysis. Results: The age range was 60 to 69 years and the majority of the sample were men, who were married and had low schooling. Being run over was the most frequent accident. The width of the traffic lanes and the time of the accident influenced the frequency and risk of accidents and the severity of the injuries. Conclusion: Younger elderly persons were the most affected, and being run over was the most frequent type of accident.

Spatial analysis of traffic accidents involving older adults in a city in the northeast of Brazil

“…The demographic characteristics of the present study demonstrated that the highest frequency of call-outs involved older adults, aged 60 to 69 years old. A recent review study on traffic accidents involving such older adults identified, as a demographic profile, the male sex and the age group from 60 to 69 years 14 . The fact that younger older adults are the most affected shows is most likely because such adults have a more active life, with independence and autonomy, and activities outside the home form part of their daily routine 15 .…”

“…In Sweden, the spatial-temporal analysis of accidents involving older adults found that they occur on weekdays, during the day and in the coldest months of the year 13 . In a review of accidents involving older adults 14 , it was observed that such adults use selfregulatory behaviors, that is, those involving the self-reported decision to protect oneself, with the adoption of strategies such as reducing exposure to traffic, driving at a reduced speed and avoiding driving at night.…”

“…Being knocked down was the main type of accident found. Literature highlights the significance of being run over as a result of traffic accidents involving older adults 9,14,15 . This can be explained by declining reflexes, a loss of hearing and vision, a loss of strength and agility, the presence of chronic diseases and the use of polypharmacy to treat comorbidities, which can negatively affect older adults when crossing public roads.…”

“…This can be explained by declining reflexes, a loss of hearing and vision, a loss of strength and agility, the presence of chronic diseases and the use of polypharmacy to treat comorbidities, which can negatively affect older adults when crossing public roads. Being run over is the main cause of morbidity and mortality from traffic accidents in this population group 14,16,23 .…”

“…When accidents were analyzed by the type of occurrence, it was observed that older pedestrians can be up to seven times more likely to die from traffic accidents than other age groups 6,24 , which can be explained both by the functional conditions of the older adults, by the traffic conditions in cities and, most of all, by poorly educated and reckless attitudes among drivers and motorcyclists 14,22 .…”