Evaluatng three methods to encourage mentally competent older adults to assess their driving behavior
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Indefinite
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Abstract
Driving has become an indispensable part of our normal daily living for people of all ages. For the older adult population, the ability to drive plays a critical role to the maintenance of quality of life, independence, mental well-being, and physical health. However, the safety of older adult driving is of public concern because as people age, their neurocognitive and motor skills required for driving can become compromised. In the past, traffic safety efforts for older adults focused on forcing cessation. However, this sudden driving loss has detrimental effect on an older adult and is associated with increased risk of depression.
This study evaluates the impact of a motivational interviewing (MI) on encouraging mentally competent older adults to assess their driving skills. While some older adults who are currently driving should give up their licenses, many could continue to drive safely by modifying their driving practices and planning for alternative transportation in order to avoid challenging driving situations. MI has been effectively used in the past for substance abuse as well as other health promotions but little is known about MI's effectiveness specific to this population. We evaluate if MI encourages older adult drivers to assess and modify their driving behaviors.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)--Boston University
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