1. Introduction
traffic accidents
EMERGENCY
The global rise in the aging driving population has heightened concerns about traffic incidents involving this demographic. Beyond transportation, automobiles represent a vital lifeline for older adults, fostering social activities and influencing their health-related quality of life. This study explores improving and sustaining driving ability among older adults with anticipated declines through health-conscious exercises. Sixty-eight participants were randomly allocated into two groups. The exercise-oriented group (E-group) engaged in twelve 90 min health and exercise sessions over twelve weeks, while the control group (C-group) maintained their regular daily routines and did not receive any specific interventions during this period. The focal point of assessment was driving ability, as evaluated by a person using a real car on public roads without using a simulator. Driving ability and physical fitness were assessed before the intervention in both groups. Post-intervention measurements occurred twelve weeks after the initial gauging, encompassing both cohorts. Comparative analysis of pre- and post-intervention changes was executed between the two groups. The E-group demonstrated improved overall driving ability compared to the C-group. The results suggest that healthy exercise and physical activity may maintain and enhance driving ability for older adults.The global population is aging rapidly [In recent years, Japan has grappled with an escalating social concern: the rise of traffic accidents involving older drivers. In 2020, the “Emergency Traffic Safety Measures for Older Drivers” article was published as part of the white paper on traffic safety [Although traffic accidents involving older drivers have been discussed in areas where public transportation is scarce, using automobiles is essential for the independent lifestyle of older adults [Automobiles are a means of transportation and feature of life that generate social activities for older adults in the community. Safe automobile driving in the community is associated with maintaining a health-related quality of life [This study aimed to examine the possibility of preserving and improving driving ability by practicing healthy exercise and physical activity among older community members, whose driving abilities are expected to decline.