Publication Date

5-1-2006

Degree Program

Department of Psychology

Degree Type

Master of Arts

Abstract

Older adults experience a variety of cognitive and physical declines as they age. Consequently, these changes can impact mobility and mental health (i.e., depression). Studies have suggested a relationship between driving habits changes (in particular, driving cessation) and depression (Fonda, Wallace & Herzog, 2001; Marottoli et al., 1997). Very little research has been conducted to examine the relationship between depression and other mobility changes in treated and untreated community dwelling older adults. Older drivers who ranged in age from 65 to 91 with a mean age of 73 completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) (Radloff, 1977), Life Space Questionnaire (LSQ) (Stalvey, Owlsley, Sloane, and Ball, 1999) and a health questionnaire, including medication usage. Mobility measures used from the LSQ were life space (i.e., have you been to places outside your neighborhood?) and driving space (i.e., have you driven to places outside your neighborhood?). Analyses of covariance revealed that either the presence of depression or the taking of antidepressant medication reduces driving mobility but not life space mobility.

Disciplines

Mental and Social Health | Psychology

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