The impact of occupational therapy and lifestyle interventions on older persons’ health, well-
being, and occupational adaptation
Engelsk titel: The impact of occupational therapy and lifestyle interventions on older persons’ health, well-
being, and occupational adaptation
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Författare:
Johansson, Ann
;
Björklund, Anita
Email: Joa@ju.se
Språk: Eng
Antal referenser: 50
Dokumenttyp:
Artikel
UI-nummer: 16065378
Sammanfattning
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.