AAA Study: Giving Up Car Keys Increases Health Risks for Seniors [Fact Sheet]

New study says retired drivers are almost twice as likely to become depressed.

A new study says older adults who have given up driving have a higher risk of health problems than those who are still behind the wheel.

Researchers at the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Columbia University found increased rates of depression among retired drivers. AAA Michigan spokesperson Susan Hiltz tells WDET’s Pat Batcheller that giving up the car keys can affect the mind as well as the body. Hiltz says the auto club has resources to help seniors and families talk about when to stop driving. Find them here.

Here’s a summary of the study’s findings:

2015 Driving Cessation Study

Author

  • Pat Batcheller is a host and Senior News Editor for 101.9 WDET, presenting local news, traffic and weather updates during Morning Edition. He is an amateur musician.