01/29/09
Discovering life after driving
New program at UQ helping older people to prepare for life after Driving
A locally developed program to help older people who are adjusting to life after driving is being tested in South East Queensland.
Free Groups are being offered in Brisbane and surrounding cities in 2009. Stopping driving can be a very emotional and challenging experience for older people. They may have to stop due to health, changing driving abilities or financial reasons. When they stop driving, they can become isolated, depressed and feel as if they can’t stay involved in the community. A University of Queensland project interviewed over 250 older people, family members and health professionals to explore the needs and experiences related to stopping driving for older people. Based on the results, a group program was developed, aiming to keep people who have stopped driving or are planning to stop safe, satisfied with life and engaged in the community. The UQDRIVE program (University of Queensland Driver Retirement Initiative) involves education, discussion and practical experience, for people aged 60 years and older who are no longer driving or are planning to stop.
Group members attend a community venue for a half day a week for six weeks and are involved in seminars, listening to guest speakers and people who have stopped driving, learning about emotional and practical strategies, and participate in activities and outings. As part of a trial funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, four groups have been run so far in South East Queensland, with a further planned eight for 2009.
Group members have identified that the challenges they face are related to being able to access important community resources (medical centres, shops, social groups), being able to stay involved in important roles and activities (volunteer work, family, interests), feeling ok about no longer driving and staying safe with driving and using alternative transport.
Group members are reporting improved ability to do these things and improved satisfaction with their ability after the UQDRIVE group. Health and wellbeing of group members has also been monitored and compared with older people who have not been to the UQDRIVE groups.
The trends indicate a possible decrease in depressive symptoms and improvement in confidence about using alternative transport and staying involved in the community, compared to people who have not attended UQDRIVE groups. Group members have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the group program saying “I learned so much – wonderful teachers and company” (current driver 2008) and the most useful aspects of the program are “transport options, meeting others, knowing others are in the same boat” (retired driver 2008).
Groups are planned for North Brisbane, South Brisbane, Bayside and Redcliffe in 2009 and commence in February. Further groups will be arranged in other areas dependent on participant interest.
The program provides an environment of collaboration and learning but also focuses on social interactions with others, therefore a light lunch and refreshments are provided with the group.
In addition to support attendance, the UQDrive team will provide assistance with transport arrangements if required.
People interested in participating in the free groups running in South East Queensland in 2009 or wanting more information should contact the UQDRIVE team. Health professionals wanting to purchase and use the UQDRIVE resources in their workplace can participate in online training available at www.uq.edu.au/uqdrive
UQDrive is a University of Queensland initiative and is funded by National Health and Medical Research Council.
Free Groups are being offered in Brisbane and surrounding cities in 2009. Stopping driving can be a very emotional and challenging experience for older people. They may have to stop due to health, changing driving abilities or financial reasons. When they stop driving, they can become isolated, depressed and feel as if they can’t stay involved in the community. A University of Queensland project interviewed over 250 older people, family members and health professionals to explore the needs and experiences related to stopping driving for older people. Based on the results, a group program was developed, aiming to keep people who have stopped driving or are planning to stop safe, satisfied with life and engaged in the community. The UQDRIVE program (University of Queensland Driver Retirement Initiative) involves education, discussion and practical experience, for people aged 60 years and older who are no longer driving or are planning to stop.
Group members attend a community venue for a half day a week for six weeks and are involved in seminars, listening to guest speakers and people who have stopped driving, learning about emotional and practical strategies, and participate in activities and outings. As part of a trial funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, four groups have been run so far in South East Queensland, with a further planned eight for 2009.
Group members have identified that the challenges they face are related to being able to access important community resources (medical centres, shops, social groups), being able to stay involved in important roles and activities (volunteer work, family, interests), feeling ok about no longer driving and staying safe with driving and using alternative transport.
Group members are reporting improved ability to do these things and improved satisfaction with their ability after the UQDRIVE group. Health and wellbeing of group members has also been monitored and compared with older people who have not been to the UQDRIVE groups.
The trends indicate a possible decrease in depressive symptoms and improvement in confidence about using alternative transport and staying involved in the community, compared to people who have not attended UQDRIVE groups. Group members have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the group program saying “I learned so much – wonderful teachers and company” (current driver 2008) and the most useful aspects of the program are “transport options, meeting others, knowing others are in the same boat” (retired driver 2008).
Groups are planned for North Brisbane, South Brisbane, Bayside and Redcliffe in 2009 and commence in February. Further groups will be arranged in other areas dependent on participant interest.
The program provides an environment of collaboration and learning but also focuses on social interactions with others, therefore a light lunch and refreshments are provided with the group.
In addition to support attendance, the UQDrive team will provide assistance with transport arrangements if required.
People interested in participating in the free groups running in South East Queensland in 2009 or wanting more information should contact the UQDRIVE team. Health professionals wanting to purchase and use the UQDRIVE resources in their workplace can participate in online training available at www.uq.edu.au/uqdrive
UQDrive is a University of Queensland initiative and is funded by National Health and Medical Research Council.
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