Gendered Driving Patterns in Later Life

• In Event: 067 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 03. Behavior and Functional Ability across the Life Course

Abstract

One of the strongest and most consistent predictors of self-regulated driving is gender, with women more likely than men to limit their driving in situations like bad weather or at night. However, studies have focused more on documenting these gender patterns than on explaining the processes underlying them, which may have implications for not only older adults’ well-being but also road safety. Our study addresses this issue by examining two potential explanations for women’s greater likelihood of self-regulated driving – their greater health limitations and use of driving alternatives. Using a nationally-representative sample of older Americans (2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study, n=4,842), we conducted logistic regressions predicting four driving limitations: alone, at night, in rain or other bad weather, and on highways. Our results provide stronger support for the driving alternatives explanation, especially women’s greater reliance on rides from family and friends. However, health limitations contribute to explaining one of the self-regulated driving behaviors – avoiding driving alone. Our study identified two pathways contributing to, but not fully accounting for, older women’s greater likelihood of limiting their driving. Further research should consider others, such as women’s lower levels of driving across the life course and their lower driving-related self-efficacy.

Authors

• Anne E. Barrett, Florida State University

• Clayton M. Gumber, Florida State University

• Rachel Douglas, Florida State University