Issues surrounding the reduction and cessation of driving among older persons were explored in a focus-group study. In all, 16 focus groups of drivers, former drivers, driving couples over age 65, and adult children of older drivers and former drivers were conducted in a large urban area and in a small-town/rural area. Older drivers who feel healthy have essentially not changed their driving style from the way they drove 10 years ago. However, others have reduced and modified their driving to compensate for their deteriorating physical conditions. Older drivers consider themselves safe and cautious, but their comments indicate that they may not always be willing to recognise the risks they pose. Older drivers have mixed feelings about the ideas of stopping driving. A few believe they will deny the need to stop even if the signs are apparent. Only a few participants had made adjustments in their housing to accommodate their eventual inability to drive. Male participants, in particular, were reluctant to think about stopping driving. Most former drivers had stopped driving quickly as a result of a health problem, crash, or move to a new city. Some hope to drive again. Driving is very important to older drivers and former drivers, as it represents freedom, independence and convenience. Concerned adult children of older drivers usually find it difficult to deal with their parents' driving reduction and cessation process. (A)
Abstract