The impact of occupational therapy and lifestyle interventions on older persons’ health, well-being, and occupational adaptation

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a four-month occupational based health-promoting programme for older persons living in community dwellings could maintain/improve their general health and well-being. Further, the aim was to explore whether the programme facilitated the older persons’ occupational adaptation. Methods: The study had a quasi-experimental design, with a non-equivalent control group combined with semi-structured interviews. The intervention group comprised 22 participants, and the control group 18. Outcomes were measured using the Short Form 36, Life Satisfaction Index-Z and Meaningful Activity Participation Assessment. Content analysis, based on concepts from the Model of Occupational Adaptation, was used to analyse the interviews. Results: The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in general health variables such as vitality and mental health, and positive trends for psychological well-being. There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention group and the control group, but the groups were not fully matched. The qualitative analysis based on Occupational Adaptation pointed out social aspects as a compliment to the overall results. Conclusions: Participating in meaningful, challenging activities in different environments stimulates the occupational adaptation process; this is something occupational therapists could use to empower older persons to find their optimal occupational lives.

KEYWORDS:

• Adaptive response
• community dwellings
• health promotion
• mastery
• primary care

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to give special thanks to the occupational therapist Catarina Broman, who participated throughout the study, as well as to the occupational therapists Gunlög Ingolf and Cecilia Andersson (Hälsans medical center 1, Jönköpings County Council), who contributed to this research with their time and knowledge. Thanks also to Dr David Rusaw (Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University) for his advice on statistics.

Declaration of interest

None.