Occupation in lifestyle redesign: the Well Elderly Study Occupational Therapy Program

Area of Science:

• Occupational Science
• Preventive Gerontology
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Older adults often face health declines, necessitating preventive interventions.
• Occupational therapy emphasizes occupation's role in health and well-being.
• Existing interventions may not fully address the holistic needs of well older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Well Elderly Treatment Program, an innovative preventive occupational therapy intervention.
• To discuss the theoretical underpinnings and development of the program.
• To explore the mechanisms by which the program enhances health and functioning in older adults.

Main Methods:

• The intervention utilized lifestyle redesign based on occupational science.
• Participants strategically selected individualized, health-promoting occupations.
• Program delivery involved community-based, multicultural engagement.

Main Results:

• The program demonstrated high success in enhancing physical and mental health.
• Significant improvements were observed in occupational functioning and life satisfaction.
• The intervention proved effective for diverse, community-dwelling older adults.

Conclusions:

• Preventive occupational therapy, through lifestyle redesign, is effective for well older adults.
• The program's success supports occupation-centered practice in health promotion.
• Occupational therapists are well-positioned to lead preventive health initiatives for seniors.