A study has found that driving can help cognitive decline and encourages attentiveness. It also gives the driver a sense of personal freedom, independence and self-control.

Researchers from Columbia University found that driving personal cars give many seniors good means of traveling, especially for those living in areas without good public transport. It also urges seniors to become more active.

Findings showed that senior motorists who had to give up driving also suffered physical and mental regressions, which could lead to bigger health issues one of which is depression.

"For many older adults, driving is instrumental to their daily living and is a strong indicator of self-control, personal freedom and independence," said Guohua Li.

When physical and cognitive functions further decline with aging, many seniors eventually give up driving. Li noted that during this time, it is vital to remember the many health consequences that come with driving cessation.

To remedy, seniors should come up with other ways to maintain social functions and movement. The study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society on Jan. 19.

Age-Appropriate Driving Re-test For Seniors In The UK

In November 2012, the 33-year-old wife of Benjamin Brooks Dutton from London was killed when a retired stockbroker Geoffrey Lederman mounted the pavement and hit Desreen. The couple was walking home with their young son when the accident took place. Lederman was sentenced to 18 months in jail for causing death by unsafe driving.

"An elderly driver who knows or should acknowledge that he or she is losing his or her faculties is no less a danger than a drunken driver who knows the same," said Judge Peter Clarke QC from Blackfriars' Crown Court.

Dutton started a petition to urge the Department of Tourism to mandate an age-appropriate driving re-test every three years for seniors starting the age of 70. To date, the Change.org petition has over 200,000 signatures.

In October 2015, a 40-year-old mother named Zoe Rowell suffered from serious injuries after being hit by a 97-year-old woman who was driving the wrong way down a two-lane roadway. The senior died while Zoe was comatose for a month.

In November 2015, the General Medical Council (GMC) informed general physicians to give a heads up to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if they have patients who are still on the road despite having conditions not suitable for safe driving.

Photo: Nicolas Alejandro | Flickr