GPS tech may empower older adults to be more adventurous on the road, according to a study published April 3, 2025 in the open-access journal PLOS Digital Health by Sol Morrissey from the University of East Anglia and colleagues.
Driving is older adults' preferred transportation method, but age-related cognitive decline can limit time spent behind the wheel. Empowering older adults to be more mobile drivers (that is, driving more frequently and for longer distances) is critical to boosting physical, social and cognitive wellness. Electronic navigation systems are gaining popularity among older adults, who perceive them as safe and usable, but research has yet to explain how the technology interacts with driving behaviors.
Morrissey and colleagues surveyed 895 drivers with a mean age of 71. Regular drivers older than 65 were included, and those with significant, untreated impairments and high alcohol consumption were excluded. Participants self-reported their driving habits and histories, took an objective cognitive assessment and completed a subjective questionnaire to evaluate wayfinding ability.
More than 80% of those surveyed reported using navigational assistance. Of these, more than half reported using GPS for some trips (as opposed to rarely or for all trips), more than 70% reported using GPS for entire journeys (from beginning to end) and less than 3% reported using GPS for every trip.
Among participants with poor objective wayfinding abilities, those who use GPS reported greater driving mobility than those who do not use GPS. Individuals who self-reported having a worse sense of direction also showed greater reliance on using GPS when driving.
The researchers recommend integrating navigational assistance into strategies for promoting older adults' driving independence. Future studies might examine the impact of country-specific and cultural variations, differences among navigational systems and the influence of passengers or copilots.
The authors add: "In older age, driving is vital for quality of life and wellbeing. Our study shows that older drivers with worse spatial abilities who use GPS navigation assistance have better driving mobility, and therefore supporting older adults in using these tools can help them maintain their driving."
