Life-space mobility and driving in later life

Objectives: This study investigated life-space patterns and identified factors associated with life-space restrictions among older adults. Emphasis was on access to adequate transportation as a key social determinant of health. Methods: Data were collected via in-person surveys of older adults in the Daejeon Metropolitan Area (N=180). Participants marked their typical life space on a printed map and reported their travel behavior over the past four weeks. Life-space restrictions were categorized into three levels: restricted within the district (gu), metropolitan city (si), and province (do). A binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between <br/>sociodemographic and health-related factors. Results: Nearly half (46.7%) of the adults surveyed had not traveled beyond their district, and 63.3% had not left the province. Most drew a single circle on the map, typically reflecting a bicycling range (1–2.5km). Life space restricted to the district level was significantly associated with lower education levels and better self-rated health, whereas driving status was the primary factor linked to expansion beyond the city level. Compared to current drivers, nondrivers were three to eight times more likely to experience restrictions. Conclusion: Even in metropolitan areas with public transportation, driving ability was strongly associated with life-space mobility among older adults, underscoring its role in supporting active aging.