The topic “Elderly car drivers” has been in the centre of attention for the last couple of years. One of the prime reasons for this is that many of the populations in the European countries are currently undergoing an aging process due to the expanded life length. The number of people older than 65 years old is increasing both in number and as a share of the population. Another reason is that car dependence also is increasing; driving a car has become a necessity in the everyday life in order to meet our personal needs and social obligations. In Denmark car ownership is growing both in numbers and size and the mileage driven and number of trips by car is increasing. The mobility, freedom and independence the car provides are also compelling to the older drivers. Recent research findings show that keeping the elderly mobile reduces the pressure on the public health programme because the mobility helps them to stay independent, vibrant and maintain a good life quality. This enforces the society’s inclination to keep the elderly people mobile, but it also raises questions as how illness and health status effect driving? What are the connections between age, health and accidents? Are elderly drivers unsafe drivers? (Author/publisher)
Abstract