What Percentage of 90 Year Olds Still Drive?
While the precise figure for the percentage of 90-year-olds who still drive can be difficult to pinpoint with the latest data, information on the broader 85+ age group shows that a substantial portion of this population continues to hold a driver's license. A study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that in 2020, 59% of people aged 85 and older had a valid driver's license. While this group includes individuals younger than 90, it indicates that a notable number of nonagenarians are likely still driving. The absence of specific, recent data on the 90+ cohort means drawing conclusions from the next closest available age group is the most reliable approach.
The percentage of older adults who still drive is rising due to better overall health, improved vehicle technology, and increased life expectancy. For many, driving is essential for maintaining independence and accessing healthcare, social activities, and errands. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that the number of licensed drivers aged 70 and older increased by 98% between 1997 and 2023.
Factors Influencing a 90-Year-Old's Decision to Drive
The ability to drive safely is not determined by age alone but rather by an individual's physical, cognitive, and functional capabilities. For nonagenarians, several factors influence whether they continue to drive or voluntarily stop. These can include:
- Health and Physical Ability: Arthritis, muscle weakness, and joint stiffness can make it difficult to steer or use foot pedals. Conditions like Parkinson's disease or recovering from a stroke can also impact motor skills.
- Vision and Hearing: Age-related declines in vision and hearing are significant risk factors. Cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration affect eyesight, while hearing loss can make it difficult to hear horns or sirens.
- Cognitive Function: Driving requires a variety of high-level cognitive skills, including memory, visual processing, and attention. While mild cognitive impairment doesn't automatically mean a person must stop driving, conditions like dementia will eventually make driving unsafe.
- Medications: Older adults often take multiple prescription medications, which can have side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion that can impair driving ability.
- Self-Regulation: Many older drivers proactively adjust their driving habits to accommodate for changes in their abilities. This can include driving shorter distances, avoiding nighttime or rush-hour driving, and avoiding high-speed roads.
Driving Cessation and Trends
Over time, most people will either voluntarily or involuntarily stop driving. For many, this decision is a gradual process rather than a single event. However, federal and state policies can also play a role through license renewal requirements, which often increase with age. Trends show that older drivers are not necessarily more prone to accidents per capita than middle-aged drivers, but their fatality rates per mile traveled increase significantly after age 70. This is largely due to increased frailty and vulnerability to injury in a crash.
- Driving Cessation Trends
- The percentage of the population holding a driver's license generally decreases with age, but this decline is occurring later in life for current generations than for previous ones.
- Men are more likely to drive into older age than women.
- Driving cessation is linked to decreased mobility, which can impact an older adult's physical and mental health.
- Environmental factors, such as access to alternative transportation, play a crucial role in the decision to stop driving for those 75 and older.
Licensed Drivers by Age and Sex
While data specifically for the 90+ age group is scarce, looking at the 85 and older category from historical studies can provide context. Below is a comparison table illustrating how licensed driving prevalence declined with age in the 1990s, based on an NIH study. The modern prevalence for the 85+ group is notably higher, highlighting the shifting demographics of drivers.
| Age Group (1993 Data) | Men (%) | Women (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 70-74 | 88% | 70% |
| 85 and Older | 55% | 22% |
Note: Current prevalence for the 85+ age group is significantly higher than these historical figures due to improved health and longevity.
Safety Considerations for Older Drivers
Safety for older drivers is a primary concern for families, policymakers, and public health officials. While older adults are often safer drivers due to habits like wearing seatbelts and avoiding risky behavior, age-related impairments increase their vulnerability in a crash. Strategies and technologies to mitigate risk are becoming more common, from mandatory in-person license renewals in some states to advanced vehicle assistance systems.
Alternative transportation options are also critical to ensure that older adults who stop driving can maintain their independence and social engagement. This includes promoting access to rideshare services, public transit, and volunteer driving programs.
Conclusion
While a precise and current statistic for what percent of 90 year olds still drive is not readily available, recent data on the 85+ demographic shows a growing trend of people retaining their licenses well into old age. In 2020, 59% of individuals aged 85 and older maintained a driver's license, an increase from previous years. The actual percentage for the 90+ demographic is lower but still represents a significant portion of the population. The decision to continue or cease driving is a highly individual process influenced by various factors, including health, cognitive abilities, and proactive self-regulation. As the population continues to age, balancing safety with mobility for older adults remains a crucial public health and policy consideration.
The Institute for Highway Safety provides extensive research and statistics on older drivers and road safety. https://www.iihs.org/research-areas/older-drivers
