@article{ref1,
title="Driving status and three-year mortality among community-dwelling older adults",
journal="Journals of gerontology. Series A: Biological sciences and medical sciences",
year="2009",
author="Edwards, Jerri D. and Perkins, Martinique and Ross, Lesley A. and Reynolds, Sandra L.",
volume="64",
number="2",
pages="300-305",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Driving cessation can lead to myriad negative consequences for older adults. The purpose of these analyses was to examine driving status as a predictor of mortality among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 660 community-dwelling adults ranging in age between 63 and 97 years. Between 2000 and 2004, participants completed performance-based assessments of vision, cognition, and physical abilities and indexes of health, depression, self-efficacy, and driving habits. Follow-up telephone interviews were completed approximately 3 years later. RESULTS: Among community-dwelling older adults, older age, health, poor near visual acuity, depressive symptoms, compromised cognitive status, and being a nondriver are associated with increased risk for a 3-year mortality. Nondrivers were four to six times more likely to die than drivers during the subsequent 3-year period. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to drive represents both a sign of cherished independence and underlying health and well-being for older adults. Retaining this ability is an important health concern in the United States.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1079-5006",
doi="10.1093/gerona/gln019",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/gerona/gln019"
}