Examining the relationship between health, transportation mobility, and social participation among older Canadians

Driving is the most common form of transportation in Canada, and has been identified as critical for older adults to maintain their independence. As people grow older, they are more likely to experience medical issues that can affect their driving, as reflected by crash rates when distance driven is considered. With age, older drivers make changes to their driving, such as not driving at night, on highways, relying on others for rides, or stopping altogether. However, the reasons for these changes are not well understood. Hence, transportation mobility is more than whether one has a license or not; it includes many different factors that can influence how and why certain types of transportation are used. This study aims to provide a snapshot of the transportation habits of Canadians aged 65 and older by examining current and former drivers, as well as those who never drove at all.