Psychological and Social Limitations

Driving abilities may be affected by psychological and social factors associated with aging, such as:

• Emotional state
  Being upset or lost, or merely thinking about the day's events may influence driving performance. Additionally, driving through a new or less familiar environment may fluster someone who is perfectly comfortable driving to routine destinations. The familiar markers we rely on to recognize our route home become more important as we age.
   

• Social pressure
  Due to family pressure to cease driving, the older driver may impose self-limitations to maximize the ability to drive safely and with reduced stress.
   

• Internalized gender roles instilled in this generation
  Older women may choose to retire from driving before their skills or physical abilities wane. Men, on the other hand, may feel pressure to continue taking the wheel beyond their driving-skill lifespan.