Social Participation in Later Years: The Role of Driving Mobility

Objectives I investigate the role of driving mobility for older adults' formal and informal social participation. I expand the common driving status dichotomy using gradated driving frequency, driving change, and ride receipt to account for the complexity of driving behaviors in later years. Method I estimate logistic regression models using the 2011 and 2013 waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study on a nationally representative sample of 4,359 community-dwelling older adults. I adjust models for demographic, socioeconomic, health, and social activity factors. Results Frequent drivers are most likely to visit friends and family, go out for enjoyment, attend religious services, and participate in organized activities compared with occasional drivers, those who ceased driving, and those who never drove. Driving frequency decrease lowers social participation. Participation does not differ between those who ceased driving and those who never drove. Persons with consistent ride access participate more than those never receiving rides. Models using a measure of driving mobility fit data better than models using dichotomous driving status. Discussion Both driving frequency and ride receipt matter for older adults' formal and informal involvement. Facilitating ride-giving and developing flexible transportation options may enhance social participation among older adults who cease or begin ceasing to drive.

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