Does cognitive training improve older drivers' self-regulation and self-assessment?

Metacog 2014 The 2nd International Conference on Metacognition, CLERMONT FERRAND, FRANCE, 09-/09/2014 - 10/09/2014To maintain quality of life and autonomy, a safe mobility is needed for older people. Depending on the self-assessment of their cognitive abilities, some older people stop driving prematurely and others expose themselves at risky situations (under estimators and over estimators, respectively). This study is based on the hypothesis that a correct estimation of cognitive abilities is required to reach a correct driving self-regulation (defined as a behavioral adaptation for continuing to drive safely despite age-related functional decline). The aim of the study is to know if a cognitive training can help older drivers whom do not properly estimate their cognitive abilities by influencing their choices and helping them to better self-assess their abilities. Eighty drivers aged 70 and over are included and assigned among two groups (two cognitive training groups associated or not with a driving simulator experience). Both training programs last 36 hours spread out over 3 months. Each group contains as many over as under estimators. The cognitive training is focused on the cognitive functions required while driving (i.e. attention, visuo-spatial abilities, executive functions and working memory). Three hours of simulated driving (composed by situations described as complex, dangerous or avoided by older drivers) are performed. Over and under estimators are specified by comparing subjective and objective performances to cognitive competencies (TMT A&B, DSST). The training succeeds if participant improve the self-assessment of his/her abilities. Self-regulation abilities are evaluated according to the evolution of training choices done before and after the cognitive training. They are also evaluated regarding the driving performance evaluated on open road. Expected results are: i) an improvement of self-regulation and self-assessment of cognitive abilities after the training and ii) a better self-regulation while driving after the simulator driving experience