People Over 70 See Car Prices as the Main Barrier to Continuing Driving

Spanish drivers over the age of 55 express their concerns mainly about the cost of vehicles, traffic restrictions in cities, and the potential loss of reflexes. Despite these concerns, more than half of those over 70 drive regularly.

77% of this group believe there is no specific age to stop driving, but rather that aptitude depends on individual conditions. When purchasing a new vehicle, safety (66%), price (61%), and comfort (21%) are the most influential factors for them.

This is revealed by the data collected in the 'V Senior Consumer Barometer', prepared by the Ageingnomics Research Centre of Fundación Mapfre.

According to this report, 73% of seniors consider the current price of vehicles and the difficulty of acquiring a car as significant barriers to continuing driving. Other reasons include traffic restrictions in cities, such as low-emission zones, highlighted by 53% of respondents, as well as health conditions and lack of reflexes for driving, mentioned by 45%.

Safety is the main factor considered by senior drivers when buying a vehicle. This is highlighted by 66% of respondents, ahead of price (61%), comfort (21%), the environmental impact of the vehicle (16%), and design or aesthetics (12%), confirming the idea of a senior consumer focused on functionality, reliability, and well-being.

Car usage decreases with age but remains common among seniors. 74% of those surveyed between 55 and 59 years old drive at least once a week, a figure that remains high in the 60 to 64 age group (73%) and slightly lower in the 65 to 69 group (66%). From the age of 70, the percentage drops to 46%, although 59% still use the car occasionally.

In this context, when asked if there is a specific age to stop driving, 77% respond that there is no fixed limit and that it all depends on individual conditions. This approach, based on individual capacity, highlights the importance of analysing each case personally and not setting automatic barriers based on age. Hence, the importance of open communication between older people, their environment, and healthcare professionals, allowing this issue to be addressed naturally and decisions to be made according to each specific situation, concludes the report.