Occupational Therapy Role in Improving Health and Slowing down age-related declines: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Global aging population necessitates strategies to maintain elderly well-being.
• Socially disengaged older adults face physical, mental, and social impairments.
• Occupation-based interventions enhance health and life satisfaction in the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Occupational Therapy on elderly health.
• To assess Occupational Therapy's role in mitigating age-related functional decline.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of Occupational Therapy interventions.
• Searches conducted in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases.
• Study selection followed PRISMA guidelines for intervention protocols.

Main Results:

• Five studies met inclusion criteria from 68 initial records.
• Group interventions were found to be more effective than individual interventions.
• Inter-professional practice showed superior outcomes compared to Occupational Therapy alone.

Conclusions:

• Occupational Therapy interventions appear effective in slowing age-related declines.
• Heterogeneity in intervention protocols and duration necessitates further investigation.
• Rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are recommended to validate OT's efficacy in delaying age-related decline.