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Orientation Experiences and Navigation Aid Use: A Self-Report Lifespan Study on the Role of Age and Visuospatial Factors

Author

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  • Veronica Muffato

    (Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy)

  • Erika Borella

    (Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy)

  • Francesca Pazzaglia

    (Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy
    Interuniversity Research Center in Environmental Psychology (CIRPA), 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Chiara Meneghetti

    (Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy)

Abstract

Spatial orientation is essential for daily life, but it deteriorates with aging. The present study was aimed at investigating age changes across the adult lifespan in the self-reported use of navigation aids and everyday orientation experiences, as well as investigating to what extent these are related to visuospatial working memory (VSWM) and self-reported wayfinding inclinations. A sample of 456 people aged 25–84 years rated how much they use navigation aids (maps, GPS, verbal directions), how much they went out, and how much they reached or lost their way to unfamiliar destinations (in 2016). Then, they performed the jigsaw puzzle test (VSWM) and questionnaires on sense of direction, pleasure in exploring, and spatial anxiety. The results showed that increasing age is related to a lower tendency to go out, fewer experiences of finding one’s way and getting lost, a lower level of GPS use, and increased verbal directions use. After age changes were accounted for, VSWM was related to aid use and orientation experiences (except for losing one’s way), wayfinding inclinations (especially spatial anxiety) to using a map, and orientation experiences. Overall, other than age, VSWM and one’s wayfinding attitudes can play a role–albeit it a modest one–in spatial behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Veronica Muffato & Erika Borella & Francesca Pazzaglia & Chiara Meneghetti, 2022. "Orientation Experiences and Navigation Aid Use: A Self-Report Lifespan Study on the Role of Age and Visuospatial Factors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:3:p:1225-:d:730958
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Alsnih, Rahaf & Hensher, David A., 2003. "The mobility and accessibility expectations of seniors in an aging population," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 37(10), pages 903-916, December.
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