Older male and female drivers in car-dependent settings: how much do they use other modes, and do they compensate for reduced driving to maintain mobility?

KING, MARK J.; SCOTT-PARKER, BRIDIE J. · 2017 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x15001555

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Summary

This study investigates the travel patterns of older licensed drivers in car-dependent settings, specifically addressing whether reductions in driving are compensated by increased use of other transport modes and how these patterns vary by gender. Motivated by the societal challenge of maintaining mobility for an ageing population in regions with low public transport provision, the research focuses on Queensland, Australia, where car dependence is high. While previous research has largely examined the transition from driving to non-driving, this paper examines the gradual changes in mode usage among those who retain their licenses. The researchers conducted a telephone survey of 295 older drivers (aged 61–87) recruited from the Queensland Independent Survey Panel in Road Safety. Participants were categorized into three age groups: 61–65, 66–70, and 71+. The questionnaire collected self-reported data on weekly hours spent driving, traveling as a passenger, and walking, as well as preferred travel modes and the proportion of time spent driving alone. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and analysis of variance to identify significant differences across age groups and genders. The results indicate that driving constitutes the dominant mode of travel, with participants averaging nearly seven hours per week as drivers compared to approximately 1.5 hours as passengers and 2.5 hours walking. A significant decline in driving hours was observed with increasing age, particularly among males, who dropped from 12.23 hours per week at ages 61–65 to 5.50 hours at age 71+. However, this reduction in driving was not offset by increases in walking or passenger travel; instead, total mobility declined across all modes for most groups. Gender differences were pronounced: males drove more days than females, but female driving hours remained relatively stable across age groups. Notably, older women drove alone significantly more often than men (87% of trips for women aged 71+), despite 30% of this group preferring to be driven by others. This suggests many older widowed women drive out of necessity rather than choice. The study concludes that in car-dependent environments, older adults do not effectively substitute driving with other modes as they age, leading to an overall reduction in physical mobility. This decline has implications for health, as walking levels remain low and may not meet recommended exercise guidelines. The findings highlight the need for policies that support continued driving for as long as safely possible, rather than focusing solely on transitioning to non-driving modes. Additionally, the discrepancy between older women’s preference for being driven and their actual solo driving underscores the impact of demographic factors, such as partner loss, on mobility choices. Future research should explore broader definitions of mobility and the social implications of these travel patterns.

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• older drivers