Hitting the Brakes: Driving Cessation, Cognitive Health, and the Mediating Role of Social Relationships Among Older Adults in the US

Driving cessation is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia among older adults, with social support from friends playing the largest role in attenuating this risk. These findings highlight the importance of fostering social connections beyond the family, ensuring access to alternative transportation options, and strengthening broader support systems for older adults to promote cognitive health in aging populations. Future research should investigate the bidirectional relationship between driving cessation and cognitive decline, particularly whether driving cessation reduces mental stimulation or if cognitive changes prompt older adults to stop driving.