Thriving Without Driving: Exploring the Impact of a Driving Retirement Intervention on Older Adults Through a Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Driving retirement is an increasingly significant life transition for older adults, yet few plan for this change despite its emotional, practical, and social implications. Older adults commonly experience mobility challenges, diminished wellbeing, and strong negative emotions-including grief, frustration, and loss of identity-when they stop driving. The dual process model of coping with bereavement offers a useful framework for understanding this transition, as it distinguishes between loss-oriented stressors (emotional reactions to giving up driving) and restoration-oriented stressors (adapting to new daily routines). This study examined the applicability of this model within a workshop-based intervention designed to support older adults in planning for and coping with driving retirement. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-five participants completed an evaluation of an evidence-informed, three-hour workshop addressing emotional, practical, and mobility-related aspects of the transition, through surveys before, one week after, and six weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: Content analysis of free-text responses revealed that participants' experiences aligned strongly with the dual process model. Immediately after the workshop, participants reported reduced grief and practical concerns, increased consideration of alternative transport options, and greater validation of their emotional responses. Over time, many participants began trialling new mobility strategies and demonstrated shifts in perspective, indicating movement toward restoration-oriented coping. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Findings suggest that structured, psychologically informed interventions can support healthier adjustment to driving retirement. Such programs should address both emotional and practical components of the transition and be offered early to allow adequate time for planning and adaptation.