GPS technology has revolutionized the way we navigate our world, and a recent study suggests that it could have significant benefits for older adults. According to research published in the open-access journal PLOS Digital Health by Sol Morrissey and colleagues from the University of East Anglia, GPS technology may empower older adults to be more adventurous on the road.
Driving is a preferred mode of transportation for older adults, but age-related cognitive decline can limit their time behind the wheel. Encouraging older adults to be more mobile drivers is crucial for their physical, social, and cognitive well-being. Electronic navigation systems, such as GPS, are becoming increasingly popular among older adults due to their perceived safety and usability.
The study surveyed 895 drivers with an average age of 71, excluding those with significant impairments or high alcohol consumption. Participants self-reported their driving habits, took cognitive assessments, and completed questionnaires to evaluate their wayfinding abilities. The results showed that over 80% of participants used navigational assistance, with more than half using GPS for some trips and over 70% using it for entire journeys.
Interestingly, participants with poor wayfinding abilities who used GPS reported greater driving mobility than those who did not use GPS. Those who self-reported having a worse sense of direction also relied more on GPS when driving. The researchers suggest that integrating navigational assistance into strategies for promoting older adults’ driving independence could have significant benefits.
Future studies could explore country-specific and cultural variations in the use of navigational systems, as well as the influence of passengers or copilots on driving behaviors. The authors emphasize the importance of supporting older adults in using GPS tools to help them maintain their driving independence and overall quality of life.
For more information, the study is available in PLOS Digital Health (DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000768). This research sheds light on how GPS technology can empower older adults to stay active and independent on the road, highlighting the importance of embracing technological advancements to support the aging population.
