Elderly drivers are being encouraged to “maintain” their independence by using features in modern vehicles – or they risk being forced off the roads. A study has discovered that over 65s with a weaker sense of direction tend to rely more on assistance from GPS navigation systems such as sat nav or smartphone maps.
The research involved 895 UK drivers aged over 65 with an average age of 71. The participants self-reported their driving habits, including how often and far they drive, their subjective sense of direction, and their use of GPS navigation devices. Researchers from the University of East Anglia also conducted online cognitive tests to assess their memory and spatial abilities.
The team then examined the relationship between the use of GPS and their driving mobility and cognitive performance. This study was spearheaded by UEA in partnership with the University of Exeter, Oxford Brookes University, Chester Wellness Centre and the University of Leeds.
The National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East of England supported the study. Senior author Professor Michael Hornberger, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “But age-related cognitive decline means that people might experience worsening spatial abilities, leading them to drive less and less.
“Because we have an ageing population, it’s really important to understand the factors that keep older people on the road, driving safely for longer.”
Those who use GPS systems more frequently drive more often, he said, reports Birmingham Live. He continued: “This means that if we support older drivers with using GPS navigation, it could really help maintain their driving independence – keeping them on the roads safely for longer.
“The implementation of GPS devices for individuals with wayfinding difficulties may also improve road safety within older adults – who are at greatest risk for fatal road traffic collisions.
“By improving driver safety and driving mobility, the implementation of GPS technology may also potentially reduce driver cessation rates in older age.”
The Department for Transport funded the research.
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