Association between driving status and visiting places among older adults in a suburban area in Japan: Findings from a cross-sectional survey

Driving is an important mobility resource for increased outings and social activities among older adults; however, little is known about the impact of driving restrictions on visiting places. This study examined whether visiting places differ according to driving status and whether the association is modified by alternative transportation use. We included a total of 432 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years (mean age, 74.8 years; 52.8 % women) with functional independence from a suburban area through a mailed self-administered questionnaire. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that not driving was associated with fewer visiting places, especially for consumer, administration, and self-care places, and social, cultural, and spiritual places. Public transportation availability (trains and buses) moderated the association between not driving and visiting places. The findings suggest that driving restrictions have the potential to reduce visiting places among older adults, particularly life-related, social, and cultural places.