This paper describes how mobility a component of daily living that most adults take for granted. In general, it can be defined as a person's purposeful movement through the environment from one place to another. It is extremely important to a person's quality of life and personal autonomy, and therefore it is important that it be persevered as long into the lifespan as possible. Loss of mobility increases in prevalence with age, and causes include declining function in physical, cognitive, and sensory systems. Therefore, any treatment that can be used to enhance or maintain these functions is significant in that it may also have a positive impact on mobility outcomes. The objective of this paper is to focus on studies evaluating mobility and mobility outcomes among older individuals who are still living in their communities and who are still driving. Studies relating various factors for a variety of mobility outcomes (driving avoidance/cessation, automobile crashes, injuries, and life space/driving space) were summarized, as well as research evaluating whether interventions in these areas show promise for improving safety and mobility.
Samenvatting