- Researchers have determined that the age-related physical and cognitive changes which can decrease driving ability begin to affect people between the ages of 50 and 60. (Examples: decreased peripheral vision and depth perception, declining hearing, slower information processing, and the effects of medications for conditions as common as diabetes and arthritis)
- According to the 2004-2005 Statistical Abstract, by the year 2015, those over 55 will make up 27.1% of the US population. This is the only age group that will grow in size by more than .2% between today and 2015.
Will older drivers welcome the additional multi-tasking that underlies the premise of added auto entertainment?
Probably not.
Multi-tasking becomes harder with the age-related changes.
Will “smart car” technologies compensate for older drivers’ declining abilities and so make them open to auto entertainment?
Unknown.
This NYT article posted at the bottom of the Bibliography (and Other Useful Sources) suggests that in our litigious US society, we may not see many driving aids on the market. However, articles written by the AARP indicate that such technologies are on their way. Even this pro-smart technologies article, however, notes that smart technologies themselves require additional multi-tasking, thus defeating some of their purpose.
Can in-car media/technology be made more “user friendly” for older drivers who want such media?
Yes.
An increasing amount of research is establishing principles of designing for older adults.
Will the amount of driving done by those over 55 increase from what it is today?
Probably.
Today, older drivers greatly reduce their driving. They also make fewer car purchases, per person, than do younger drivers. Yet the babyboomers moving into this age range may reverse this long-standing trend. They may want/need to extend the number of years they work and therefore the number of years they commute. Many are more committed than the previous generation to an active, and therefore a driving, lifestyle. A skyrocketing percentage of boomers own second homes, and more plan to do so, with a high priority on a second home that is close to the primary residence.
Will public policy, cultural attitudes, etc., support older people remaining drivers?
Probably.
Organizations such as AARP offer specialized courses designed to help older adults develop driving skills that compensate for declining senses and cognitive function. The US Department of Transportation has a number of publication and programs focused on highway design for older drivers. Local organizations also work with older drivers. The underlying emphasis in all of the programs and publications is a recognition that at some point people may have to give up driving, but a focus on keeping them as drivers as long as possible.
See these resources for detailed information
The nature of age-related changes that affect driving ability
Detailed scholarly article http://www.ca.uky.edu/fcs/aging/Additional_Publications.htm
Quantitative-based research results http://www.humanfactors.com/downloads/aug01.asp
US statistics on older driver accidents http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/olderdrivers/
U.S. Population information
http://www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical-abstract-04.html (Select population/1-69/section 12)
Smart car technologies
Yes, we will have them http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/yourlife/Articles/a2003-12-30-smartcars.html
No, we won’t have them (See NYT article link above)
Designing for older adults
http://www.gsa-tag.org/2000/cog.html
http://64.233.179.104/search?q=cache:l9Eds7e-r5QJ:www.misu.bmc.org/~bickmore/publications/CHI05.pdf+interface+issues+for+older+adults&hl=en
Future increase in driving by those over 55
Reduced levels of driving in today’s older population http://www.globalaging.org/elderrights/us/bommersdriving.htm
Car purchase patterns in today’s older population (see attached PDF file at bottom of this page)
Second home purchase rates http://www.cendant.com/media/trends_information/trends_information.cgi/Real+Estate+Services/92
Public policy and older drivers
AARP driving courses http://www.aarp.org/search_advanced/search_results.html?config=htdig_www_aarp_org_small&words=driving
American Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists http://www.driver-ed.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
Local program offering a variety of transportation solutions http://www.itnamerica.org/article.asp?aid=4
US Dept of Transportation publications http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/olddrive/OlderRoad/
http://www.tfhrc.gov/humanfac/01103/coverfront.htm
http://www.tfhrc.gov/humanfac/01105/cover.htm
vehicle purchase by older drivers.pdf