Promoting Quality of Life in Elders: An Occupation-Based Occupational Therapy Program

Abstract

The practice of occupational therapy for elders is becoming more challenging. This article presents Lifestyle Redesign, an intervention model that promotes quality of life in well elders. Studies will be discussed that demonstrate the long-term efficacy of this treatment and that support the use of occupation-based occupational therapy for independent living. The key concepts of the program and process of delivery will be addressed. Finally, the necessity for cultural sensitivity on a global level will be discussed as it relates to designing similar programs for other cultures.

Key words:

• cultural sensitivity
• lifestyle redesign
• independent living
• well-elders