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Deciding when to stop driving is a challenging decision for many older adults and their families, one that often involves a delicate balance of independence and safety. A new study published today in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society offers hope, showing that an online decision aid tool can significantly ease the uncertainty and distress associated with this important life choice.
The study, a randomized clinical trial involving over 300 participants aged 70 and older, examined the impact of using Healthwise, an online driving decision aid, to guide older adults facing health issues that could affect their ability to drive. The participants, all of whom had health conditions potentially impairing their driving, were followed for two years, with researchers conducting interviews every six months to assess the tool’s long-term effectiveness.
“Decision aids have long been used in healthcare to support individuals making difficult choices about procedures like surgeries or dialysis. However, when it comes to driving—especially the decision to stop driving—such tools are scarce,” said Dr. Carolyn DiGuiseppi, a professor at the Colorado School of Public Health. “This study fills a critical gap, showing that a decision aid can help reduce the uncertainty and emotional burden often associated with giving up one’s license.”
The study found that after two years, participants who used the driving decision aid reported significantly less uncertainty about their decision and less distress after making the choice, compared to those who did not use the aid. These participants showed lower levels of decisional conflict and decision regret, which are common emotional responses when making major life changes like stopping driving.
“Our research suggests that decision aids can make a real difference in helping older adults navigate this emotionally charged decision,” Dr. DiGuiseppi said. “For many, giving up driving can feel like losing a part of their independence, and the emotional impact can be profound. The decision aid seems to offer a supportive way to manage these difficult feelings.”
However, the study also revealed that while the decision aid improved the experience of making the decision, it did not significantly reduce the occurrence of depression—an issue that often accompanies major life changes such as ceasing to drive.
The study was led by Dr. Emmy Betz, a professor of emergency medicine at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, and builds on prior research, including a 2021 study published in Traffic Injury Prevention. This latest publication explores the long-term effects of using the decision aid and addresses whether its benefits continue over time.
“The goal was to examine if the positive effects persisted, or if participants experienced growing uncertainty or regret as time went on,” Dr. Betz explained. “Our findings confirm that the decision aid can provide lasting relief from ambivalence and regret, making it a valuable tool for older adults facing this tough decision.”
This study highlights the importance of providing structured support for older adults navigating the difficult decision to stop driving, a step that can have profound impacts on their independence and quality of life.
The full study can be found in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (2024).
