| This dissertation research aims to examine the role of transportation support in the driving cessation process among community-dwelling older adults. Five different types of transportation supports were tested, and the driving cessation process was defined as consisting of driving avoidance and driving cessation. Role theory and the selection, optimization, and compensation model offered the basis for developing hypotheses about the dynamics between transportation support and the driving cessation process.;Data were obtained from three waves of the Florida Disability Study (1990, 1991, and 1992). The study population consists of generally healthy and active community-dwelling old-old persons residing in Florida retirement communities. Logistic regression models were employed to cross-sectionally examine relationships between transportation support and driving avoidance. Discrete-time multivariate hazard models were used to longitudinally test the impact of transportation support on driving cessation. Sociodemographic characteristics and health conditions were controlled in these multivariate analyses. Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and T-tests were used to cross-sectionally examine the difference in receiving transportation support by driving status and gender.;All the five types of transportation supports showed insignificant relationships with driving avoidance. Gender was the most influential factor for avoiding driving both at night and on highway. However, driving cessation was influenced by transportation support from hired assistants and friends/neighbors more than by sociodemographic and health factors. Older drivers with a higher number of transportation support was more likely to cease their driving. Regardless of driving status, older adults tended to receive informal transportation support more than formal one.;These findings contribute to knowledge development about how alternative transportation influences older adults' driving cessation and how they meet their transportation needs after driving cessation. The results revealed that driving avoidance and cessation are distinct behaviors, which are influenced by different risk factors. Given the importance of transportation support for older drivers' decision making of driving cessation, gerontological social workers need to approach their clients' mobility limitations from the ecological perspective beyond focusing on individuals' physical impairments. To effectively provide transportation alternatives for older adults, policy makers need to consider accessibility and flexibility of public transportation besides its availability. |
