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Changes in driving patterns and worsening depressive symptoms among older adults
Author(s)Stephanie J Fonda, Robert B Wallace, A Regula Herzog
Journal titleJournals of Gerontology: Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, vol 56B, no 6, November 2001
Pagespp S343-S352
KeywordsDriving capability ; Depression ; Symptoms ; Longitudinal surveys ; United States of America.
AnnotationData from 3 waves of the Asset and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) study were used to examine how driving cessation and reduction contributed to increases in depressive symptoms (as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, CES-D). Those who had stopped driving had greater risk of worsening depression symptoms. Those who restricted their driving distances before the study began also had greater risk of worsening depressive symptoms, but seemingly less so than those who had stopped driving altogether. The risk of worsening symptoms was not mitigated for those who had a spouse available to drive them. Access to mental health therapies is necessary to prepare older people for the transition from driver to ex-driver. (RH).
Accession NumberCPA-020107216 A
ClassmarkOPF: ENR: CT: 3J: 7T

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