2023 Volume 78 Issue 5 Pages I_375-I_384
In Japan, the number of elderly driver's license holders is increasing with the aging of the population. There are some preferential treatment systems for license returners, and voluntary returners are supported by local governments. The number of voluntary returnees is increasing. Driving cessation among older people is associated with decreased activity and mobility, and exerts the risk of functional limitation. In this study, we considered that regional characteristics affect the means of transportation and QOL of voluntary returners, and analyzed the effects of means of transportation and QOL of voluntary returners. The case study was conducted in one rural and one urban area. As a result, using bicycles affected the QOL of voluntary returners. Voluntary returners in urban areas have a higher quality of life and more frequency of going out than voluntary returners in rural areas. In addition, voluntary returners in urban areas are easier to go shopping and go to the hospital than voluntary returners in rural areas.
