Seniors' Gendered Perception of Driving Cessation

Ontario is home to about 40% of Canada's seniors (65 and over). It is estimated that by 2041, a quarter of Ontario's population will be older than 65. With a rapidly aging population, combined with their diminishing physical abilities to safely operate an automobile, a more in-depth understanding of seniors' relationship with driving cessation is needed. The purpose of the study is two-fold: to examine seniors' perceptions that may hinder driving cessation, and to assess how such perceptions are influenced by one's gender. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 seniors in Ontario differing in residential location, living arrangements, licensing status and gender. Anova was used to test the statistical significance of the gender difference. Senior men and women's perceptions on driving cessation differ as a whole and within specific issues. During our interviews, three themes emerged demonstrating gender's impact on seniors' perceptions: general perceptions on driving cessation, perceptions that may hinder driving cessation and solutions offered. Results demonstrated that while all seniors interviewed expressed negative feelings towards becoming a retired driver, gender differences were evident. Perceptions towards personal independence and dependence on others, public transportation, car pride, driving rights, and self-assessment of personal health and safety were found to be significantly influenced by gender. It is recommended that a greater focus is placed on understanding seniors' perceptions of driving cessation and that policy makers take into account gendered perceptions when designing transportation policy and educational driving cessation programs.