Driving Cessation and Social Isolation in Older Adults

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> This study investigated the impact of driving cessation on social isolation in older adults. <b>Method:</b> Data were obtained from Rounds 1 through 6 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. The study sample consisted of 6,916 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 or above who were eligible drivers at baseline. Mixed-effects ordered logistic regression and piecewise regression were used to examine the impact of driving cessation on social isolation. <b>Results:</b> In multivariable mixed-effects ordered logistic regression, past-year nondrivers had a twofold increase in the odds of being in a higher social isolation category (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, <i>p</i> < .001). Piecewise regression analysis showed that social isolation scores increased by 0.08 points (<i>p</i> = .024) following an incident of driving cessation. <b>Discussion:</b> Driving cessation is associated with a higher risk of social isolation in older adults. Interventions to reduce social isolation among older adults may improve public health by targeting older adults who have recently stopped driving.