Citation

Plastow NA. Int. J. Aging Hum. Dev. 2016; 84(4): 403-414.

Affiliation

Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa nap@sun.ac.za.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Baywood Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0091415016677970

PMID

27881477

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIM: The "asphalt identikit" theory suggests that driving cessation inevitably leads to feelings of incompetence and dependency. This article challenges this proposition by investigating the driving-related possible selves of British older adults living in West London.

METHODS: Thematic analysis of data from 19 of 39 interviews in which older adults participating in a larger study talked about driving in the context of their grocery shopping.

RESULTS: Three themes were evident: "I can drive - that makes a huge difference," "Expecting to lose my license," and "I gave up my license." DISCUSSION: Driving cessation is not a dreaded possible self for all older adults. Older adults may use a variety of identity maintenance processes to retain their positive sense of self.

CONCLUSIONS: Mental well-being can be maintained during driving cessation by finding ways to compensate for the loss of a license and finding alternative ways of achieving hoped-for possible selves.

© The Author(s) 2016.

Language: en