Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Occupational Therapy Helps Life Satisfaction in Seniors


Patty McKinney, OTR
Occupational therapists help people of all ages and stages of life participate in the things they want and need to do. Through the therapeutic use of everyday activities, known as "occupations" in this context, the work of an occupational therapist helps lead to measurable gains in quality of life for the patients they treat. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational therapy services typically include evaluation, goal setting, customized intervention, and an outcome plan. Always, the occupational therapist has a bias for encouraging as much independent activity as possible.

For seniors and an aging population, occupational therapy closely aligns with the national trends in health and wellness: the focus is on preventing illness and disability, as opposed to treating issues once they have already begun to negatively impact health. Research has conclusively shown that as we age, it is critical that we continue to be engaged in life through a mix of productive social, physical, and spiritual activities. This goal of prevention and wellness is really a key to health care reform, and results in a cost savings to society simply due to more health and less disease.

As you age, or care for those around you who are aging, some of the recent research findings of occupational therapy are worth noting:
  •  Small, healthy lifestyle changes-- coupled with involvement in meaningful activities--  are critical to healthy aging and maintaining independence. Lifestyle changes and engagement in meaningful activities are proven to lessen body pain, improve vitality, social function, mental health and overall life satisfaction in senior populations.
  •  Seniors who make changes in their routines (such as visiting a museum with a friend once a week) that lead to measurable gains in quality of life, are less prone to depression and are more satisfied with life. Quality of life can be measured using a variety of indicators, including physical health, mental health and social well-being.
  • Occupational therapy intervention is proven to improve health and reduce body pain and depression in senior populations, and helps individuals re-discover meaningful and social activities.
Bottom line, as we all live longer, it is important to also live better. Occupational therapy can help provide a bridge to regular, sustainable, engaging experiences in the world for seniors.

Patty McKinney, Occupational Therapist, is the owner and operator of Glenwood Springs Harmony House, an assisted living facility with peaceful accommodations and professional, qualified personal caregivers. 







Welcome to The Harmony House Health Herald

Patty McKinney, OTR
Patty McKinney, OTR, is the owner/operator of the Glenwood Springs Harmony House assisted living facility. As an Occupational Therapist for nearly two decades, and an expert on aging and health care for the elderly, she will contribute regular articles to her new blog: The Harmony House Health Herald.

Thanks for reading!