A recent study published on 3 April 2025 in the open-access journal PLOS Digital Health suggests that GPS technology may significantly enhance road mobility among older adult drivers. Conducted by Sol Morrissey of the University of East Anglia and colleagues, the research highlights how electronic navigation tools can help older individuals maintain a sense of independence and continue engaging in everyday travel, even in the face of age-related cognitive challenges.
Driving remains the preferred mode of transport for most older adults. However, natural declines in spatial awareness and cognitive functioning can erode confidence and restrict the frequency and distance of driving. Sustaining driving mobility—the ability to drive regularly and over longer distances—is crucial for maintaining physical autonomy and supporting social engagement and cognitive well-being. Although GPS and other navigational systems are gaining traction among ageing populations, their precise impact on driving behaviour has remained underexplored until now.
To address this gap, Morrissey and colleagues surveyed 895 drivers aged 65 and older, with the average age being 71. The study deliberately excluded individuals with severe untreated medical impairments or excessive alcohol use to ensure that participants could safely operate a vehicle. Participants completed a series of assessments, including self-reported driving patterns, a standardised cognitive evaluation, and a subjective questionnaire to gauge their wayfinding abilities.
Findings revealed that more than 80% of participants reported using some form of navigational assistance while driving. Among these users, over half indicated that they utilised GPS for selected journeys, while more than 70% used it to guide them through entire trips. Fewer than 3% relied on GPS for every drive, suggesting that older adults remain discerning about when to use digital navigation tools.
Perhaps the most compelling insight emerged from participants who demonstrated poor objective wayfinding skills. Within this group, those who used GPS reported significantly higher levels of driving mobility than those who did not. Similarly, participants who described themselves as having a poor sense of direction were more likely to depend on GPS navigation. These findings indicate a positive relationship between GPS use and sustained driving activity, particularly among individuals who might otherwise restrict their travel due to spatial or directional challenges.
The researchers suggest that integrating navigational technology into public health and ageing strategies could be a promising approach to promoting safe and independent driving among older adults. Future investigations could benefit from examining the influence of cultural norms, national driving conditions, the design of specific navigation systems, and the social dynamics introduced by passengers or copilots in the vehicle.
The authors commented on the study’s implications: “In older age, driving is vital for quality of life and wellbeing. Our study shows that older drivers with worse spatial abilities who use GPS navigation assistance have better driving mobility, and therefore supporting older adults in using these tools can help them maintain their driving.”
By shedding light on the practical benefits of GPS navigation for ageing drivers, this study provides a timely reminder that digital technologies—when thoughtfully integrated—can help mitigate the constraints of ageing and foster prolonged independence on the road. As populations age globally, these insights may prove instrumental in shaping transportation policies and technologies that cater to older adults’ evolving needs.
More information: Sol Morrissey et al, GPS navigation assistance is associated with driving mobility in older drivers, PLOS Digital Health. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000768
Journal information: PLOS Digital Health Provided by PLOS
