Evaluation of Psychophysical Fitness in Drivers over 65 Years of Age

Abstract

Background: The deterioration of cognitive and psychophysical ability associated with aging has an effect on road safety, especially in the driving of vehicles. The current study's main objective is to evaluate the psychophysical aptitudes in drivers over 65 years of age in a sample of drivers in Spain.

Methods: The sample was formed of a total of 1663 drivers who attended a Driver Recognition Center. The evaluation of their psychophysical aptitudes was carried out following the Medical-Psychological Exploration Protocol for Driver Recognition Centers, edited by the Ministry of Health and the General Directorate of Traffic.

Results: The results show increased restrictions in the evaluation of driving ability with age, which are especially significant after 75 years of age. Regarding sex, 70.1% of women have an approved evaluation, compared to men aged between 65-69, although from 69 onwards, the percentage of approved women decreases significantly. The loss of visual capabilities and poor performance in psycho-technical tests are the main causes associated with an evaluation with restrictions, with the number of restrictive conditions increasing with age.

Conclusions: There is an increase in the number of cases with age-related restrictions, especially in the case of women and ophthalmologic-related problems, although the majority of drivers over 65 years old continue driving, thus continuing with a practice that has been related to the well-being and quality of life of older adults.

Keywords: assessment aptitudes; older adult; older drivers; psychophysical aptitudes; road safety.