Objectives: Research on driving in older adulthood suggests that driving is a form of independence for older adults and is often associated with increased social capital and overall-being. However, few studies have examined whether the frequency of driving, and not driving alone, affects likelihood of having well-being among older adults. This study aimed to examine the association between frequency of driving and well-being among older adults, guided by the activity theory of aging.
Methods: Data were drawn from the 2018 National Health and Aging Trends Study, a longitudinal panel survey of Medicare beneficiaries living in the United States. Bivariate analyses were conducted using Chi-square tests and the association between frequency of driving and well-being was tested with a multivariable logistic regression model. Well-being was determined by 11 items measuring positive and negative affect and asking participants if they agreed with certain statements about their lives.
Results: After controlling for other factors that could influence well-being among older adults, results showed that those who drove every day were the most likely to have high well-being, followed by those who drove most days, those who drove some days, those who drove rarely, and those who never drove.
Discussion: The study results indicate that as frequency of driving increases, the chance of having well-being increases among older adults. This supports the activity theory of aging and highlights the importance of productive aging.
Keywords: Drive; aging; regularity.