The term productive aging was coined by Robert Butler in 1983 at the Salzburg Seminar. Productive aging was introduced in order to deviate from preconceived notions that all elders are in a declining state of health and have limited functional abilities in comparison to younger counterparts (Butler & Gleason, 1985). The basis of occupational therapy is closely tied to productive aging. All occupational therapy practitioners share a common goal; to enhance the lives of all people across the lifespan by teaching adaptive life skills, engaging in meaningful occupations, and promoting a functional, productive, and fulfilled life regardless of age. Aging is not synonymous with ‘declining’, and occupational therapy practitioners must look beyond the stereotypes and see the person as a holistic being without focusing solely on chronological age.
Physical activity is especially important in regard to productive aging due to the health benefits associated with exercise and other forms of physical activity. It is important that physical activity be incorporated with a meaningful activity. For example, if a patient is not keen on exercise, it would be best to engage in an activity that the patient would enjoy. Assessing the patient 's needs and interests is the most efficient way to come up with an activity. Physical activities that are meaningful may involve gardening, meal preparation, shopping, walking, swimming, dancing, etc. Ultimately, physical activity lessens the risk of
Remaining physically and mentally active can have a significant impact on their wellbeing. Exercise such as
Gerontology as a field of scientific study can be traced back to the late 1800s; a time when research primarily focused on the negative attributes of aging, such as health decline. It wasn 't until the introduction of social gerontology in 1983 that researchers began to more rigorously study the psychological and social aspects of aging. In recognizing that “successful aging depends not just on the prevention of disease and disability, but also on the attainment of peak physical and psychological functioning,” (Quadagno,
The oldest group were much less likely than younger people to be exercising to keep fit, relieve stress/relax, keep in shape or lose weight but instead more likely to be taking part for enjoyment and social aspects or because it helps with an injury/disability
The idea of occupational balance can also be seen in older adulthood when, as a result of age, people lose their roles in life through being unable to perform the activities that make up that role. With the passing of time no longer taken up by meaningful activities these individuals become bored and ultimately depressed, quickly losing their sense of well-being. In the World Health Organisation’s Charter for Health Promotion, it suggests that in order to achieve the state of complete health it describes in its definition, it is necessary for individuals to be able to satisfy their basic needs, realise and achieve their goals, and cope within the changing world around them (Townsend and Polatajko, 2007).
The selected health care measure examined within this paper is that of activity levels within the older adult population. The National Committee for Quality Assurance
Yes, I agree with you that people are living much longer thanks to advances in technology and medicine. Thus, the older adults (I prefer to use the term older than elderly or geriatric), is one group of the population that Healthy People 2020 has assigned a separate topic of concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggested that any health promotion for the older adult has to take into consideration the psychosocial determinants of health. Given that older adults may not have the physical strength or stamina of the younger population, participation in physical activities should be encouraged (Healthy People 2020). If you don’t mind I would like to suggest that you include some kind of activity in your program
Occupational Therapy is a health, wellness, and rehabilitation profession devoted to the development of performance and function across their lifetime so that individuals can live their life to the fullest. The holistic approach taken by occupational therapy practitioners is particularly effective in the areas of wellness, health promotion, and prevention. The practice of occupational therapy can take place in health care and education settings, and in community based agencies and organizations. The timing is excellent for occupational therapy in the area of wellness and prevention. Occupational Therapy practitioners administer habilitation and rehabilitation services, which are among the fundamentals health benefits of the
Will you let yourself struggle with several diseases when you get older? Nowadays, the world has changed. The number of population in the earth keep rising, and elderly people are large percent of world’s citizens that increase in every year. The following problems are the illness that usually occur with older age people, but there are many ways to solve this problem such as doing exercise. Doing exercise is very important especially in older adults, It can help to improve both physical and mental health also It can decrease pain when doing appropriate exercise program in later of life.
One scholar that has contributed a substantial amount of research that has impacted the occupational therapy profession and clients within the occupational therapy services is Dr. Tracy Chippendale. Dr. Chippendale is an occupational therapist that received her Masters and PhD at New York University. Dr. Chippendale is currently an assistant professor teaching courses on human development, research, and occupational therapy practice with older adults in the occupational therapy department at New York University. Dr. Chippendale has over seventeen years of experience working with older adults, which has influenced her research that focuses on geriatrics. This research places emphasis on intervention methods that allow elderly individuals to
At the age of 53, as a member of the growing older population, there has been many occupational changes throughout my life. An individual never realizes how a passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another change the body and mind. Every day is a battle mentally and physically to complete the tasks of the day. Exercise has been a powerful reliever of pain for the body and soul. People face many diverse challenges and changes across the span of a life and occupational therapy can take actions to improve a situation, especially with medical disorders.
To be in good health not only means freedom from illness but also free from injury and pain. Occupational therapists assist older adults, with the addition of those with disabilities, to age in an environment of their choice by developing partnerships with other older adults, family caregivers and importantly through support for safe, accessible and affordable living options and community environments. These health care professionals also foster older adults’ well-being by supporting their opportunities to learn, becoming accustomed to and manage their health/ability challenges as they become apparent, engage in occupations that allow for self-expression and encourage feelings of
Dementia is a mental health disorder commonly addressed with in the geriatric population. Dementia involves a cognitive decline of the brain. This is a disease of a broader spectrum and can be broken down into other subgroups or diseases such as: Alzheimer’s, vascular, frontal-temporal and dementia with Lewy bodies. As dementia gets progressively worse the more challenges the individual faces. Simple daily occupations such as dressing, feeding, even rest and sleep are difficult task to complete. As occupational therapist it is important to address mental health issues and injustices towards occupations. Dementia is a global health concern as it affects the community or social integration as the disease onsets. This cognitive disorder is usually a concern of inpatient skilled nursing facilities in the latter stages. Therapist must address our role in this
As I get older I will need to focus more on flexibility to protect my bones and joints. I will also need to focus on less strenuous activities to preserve my health. However, I will still need constant physical activity so that I do not get illnesses attributed to a sedentary lifestyle.
assessment of one’s own strengths and limitations (Jeste & Oswald, 2014). Apart from these, in comparison with young and mid-life adults, older adults perceive that their stressors in life are less severe (Jeste & Oswald, 2014). In light of these, finding the path to this sense of well-being among aging populations is an important rationale for any study or undertaking, including, this practicum. In addition to these, the educational plan behind this practicum is that, after completion of this Gerontology course, to enroll in an Occupational Therapy program for the end goal of combining both disciplines in helping elderly individuals live an independent and productive life.
The purpose of our health fair event is to educate and encourage older adults to remain active in their daily lives. Physical health is beneficial throughout one’s entire lifespan. Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine will prevent chronic disease, improves their overall mood, and lowers their chances of injury (Aldwin & Gilmer, 2013, Chapter 5). As we go through the aging process, our bodies require us to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Moderate exercise is favorable for people of all ages. Elderly people living with chronic illnesses can also participate in moderate physical activity. Medical conditions, such as dementia, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure can all be improved by including regular exercise into an individual’s routine (Chronic Illnesses, PowerPoint).