The potential role of physical activity on driving performance and safety among older adults

Abstract

The elderly represent the fastest growing driving population. Older drivers have a high crash rate per distance traveled, a high risk of injury or death in traffic accidents, and are commonly found to be 'at fault' in crashes. This reality has focused more interest on issues associated with the fitness to drive and the safety of older drivers. Many older adults depend greatly on their personal vehicle for transportation and suffer a marked loss of quality of life when, as a consequence of no longer being able or permitted to drive, their mobility becomes significantly restricted. The reasons for the deterioration of driving performance that occur during the aging process are multi--factorial and a great deal of research has focused on the identification of those factors. Nevertheless, some studies incorporating training programs have tried, with some success, to improve the driving--related abilities of older drivers. It has been demonstrated that physical activity can promote several skills that are associated with driving performance in older drivers. Few studies, though, have conducted exercise interventions among older drivers intended to enhance their driving--related abilities and promote road safety. In this context, the purpose of this work consists of examining the perceptual, cognitive, health, and physical factors related to fitness to drive in older adults and identifying possible strategies that can enhance their driving--related abilities. Moreover, potential mechanisms underlying the relationship among physical activity, driving ability, and road safety are discussed.

Ten Years Down the Road: Predictors of Driving Cessation

“…In addition to cognitive training, there are other potential avenues for remediation on an individual level to prolong mobility including physical interventions, educational driver training, and alternative transportation programs. A physical exercise intervention was recently found to improve older adults' on road driving safety (Marottoli, Allore, et al, 2007), and physical exercise holds promise as a way of prolonging driver fitness and thereby mobility (Marmeleira, Godinho, & Vogelaere, 2009). Driver education programs are another potential way of enhancing and possibly prolonging safe driving mobility, although research on the effectiveness of such programs has yielded mixed results (Bédard et al, 2008;Marottoli, Van Ness, et al, 2007;Owsley, Stalvey, & Phillips, 2003).…”

The association between Tai Chi exercise and safe driving performance among older adults: An observational study

“…Traditional forms of PA such as brisk walking and flexion and strengthening exercises show promise for improving cognitive processes and physical function related to driving. 3 , 4 The proposed mechanisms of action of PA are increased neuroelectric activity, preservation of brain volume, increased cerebral blood volume, enhanced factors responsible for growth and function of neurons, heightened synaptic activity, and angiogenesis. 5 These structural and functional changes are evidence of neural plasticity and are consistent with lifespan development theory and the ability of continued growth and development in older adults, regardless of advancing age and common age-related changes.…”

Managing driving issues after an acquired brain injury: Strategies used by health professionals

“…Driving has been linked to greater independence, enabling people to participate in important daily activities (Classen et al ., ). Losing the ability to drive has significant consequences such as reduced mobility and social engagement, lost roles (Fisk, Schneider & Novack, ; Turner et al ., ) and an increase in depressive symptoms (Hawley, ; Marmeleira, Godinho & Vogelaere, ).…”