As older adults reduce their driving, men report having less social support than women, according to a new study.
With driving so closely tied to freedom and independence, the American Automobile Association has recommended families with older loved ones plan ahead together, especially when it comes to decisions like limiting driving.
“When it comes to older drivers, data from our study suggests there are perceived social support differences between older male and female drivers,” said Dr David Yang, Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
“Men and women who have reduced their driving report similar levels of care and emotional support from friends and family, but older male drivers find it harder to seek out advice and guidance.”
Of the study’s 2,990 participants, one in five older drivers report reducing their driving in the past year, with more women, 57 percent, than men, 43 percent, saying they have cut back on driving.
The findings are part of the AAA LongROAD (Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers) study, a multi-year research program to better understand and meet the safety and mobility needs of older drivers in the United States.
