Are there positive outcomes in older adult health, wellbeing and quality of life post-driving cessation? : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Date
2020
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Massey University
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Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to establish if there were meaningful subgroups of ceased older drivers who experience positive health, wellbeing and quality of life post driving cessation and if so, what may be some of the factors that characterise those subgroups. Most of the research to date has consisted of identifying negative outcomes post driving cessation, such as poor physical and mental health. There has been limited research into the factors that may lead to positive outcomes in health, wellbeing and quality of life post driving cessation, and the literature that is available is qualitative in nature and drawn from suburban and urban areas of Canada, Australia and Detroit. Therefore, the current study utilised data from the Health, Work and Retirement (2016) study to determine if the 127 participants who had identified as being past drivers were able to be split into meaningful subgroups that differed regarding health, wellbeing and quality of life. Hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering techniques were utilised to establish and refine the subgroups based on health, wellbeing and quality of life variables. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric testing were utilised to characterise the subgroups. There were a range of subgroups that had different outcomes regarding health, wellbeing and quality of life, with experiences ranging from poor to positive outcomes. The Economic Living Standard Index and Social Provisions Scale had the greatest impact on cluster membership. Future research would be of benefit to understand which factors impact positive outcomes when transitioning from driver to non-driver. Further understanding of these factors, including economic living standard and social connectedness, will guide future interventions targeted at achieving positive outcomes, ultimately encouraging continued quality of life and wellbeing well beyond driving cessation.