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Abstract

Abstract:This research aims to understand the psychological, the social and cognitive aspects of ageing and assess the relevance of driving a personal automobile to seniors. We know that biological ageing is an inescapable fact, but is there also a psychological and a cognitive ageing? If so, is it related to getting older or to other factors? How relevant is continuing to drive to seniors, and how can the activity influence psychological and cognitive types of their ageing and self well-being? To answer these questions, we study several authors and concepts about mental health, development of ageing and their relationship to driving. We also explore psychological and cognitive changes associated with ageing, the principal behavioural changes of healthy senior people (with normal cognitive function) and MCI (mild cognitive impairment), as well as how driving inhibition can induce and affect psychological and cognitive characteristics. We conclude that low mental functioning is caused by a set of biological, psychological and social factors, connected in turn to environmental factors. The slowdown of cognitive activities and performances in seniors is not inevitably accompanied by a decrease in intellectual capacity, low sensory acuity, or slowing psychomotor skills. Other factors should be considered-such as health status, limitations, anxiety, lack of interest, motivation and attitudes. The loss of cognitive abilities and the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment increase with age and are a growing concern, especially among seniors who drive cars. However, we still lack specific evidence based on tests and criteria-in particular, on psychological and cognitive domains-to assess senior drivers actually at risk. It is important to establish a base of evidence to allow objective risk determination. The safest senior drivers should continue driving for as long as possible, thereby contributing to their mental health, independence and quality of life.