It is said that aging is inevitable, but it does not have to be painful and dreaded. Older Adults are at risk of decline in physical health, mental well-being, and functional ability. Fortunately, these age-related decline can be delayed by engaging in a healthier lifestyle. Preventive lifestyle intervention can have lasting effects on participants’ psychological and physical health and also managing chronic conditions. Occupational therapists can help a client develop and adapt a routine of beneficial daily activities based on the client’s individual needs. Lifestyle redesign was initially developed from the Well-Elderly Study conducted at USC. The evidenced-based intervention showed that activity-based lifestyle interventions can influence aging outcomes. Interventions include a process of developing customized plans for lifestyle modifications with the use of occupations to adapt to the challenges associated with aging. Interventions can be provided on an individual and group basis, with the use of didactic presentation, peer exchange, direct experience, and personal exploration. Occupational therapists may administer standardised tests and use questionnaires for modifying personal and environmental factors that enables us to address barriers to participate in meaningful activities for overcoming functional challenges. Occupations have powerful, lasting therapeutic effects that radiate to numerous dimensions of well-being. “Designing your daily routine so that you can control your lifestyle and stay healthy, happy and productive–rather than it controlling you–can lead to much greater personal satisfaction,” said Florence Clark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, “Walking, going shopping, doing the activities of daily life–all of these stretch our capacities,” Clark said. “If you don’t stretch your capacities, they begin to decline.”
Hence with lifestyle modifications and participation in meaningful tasks, we can find the right balance. Occupational Therapists can help you stay healthy! WE CAN HELP
Jackson, J., Carlson, M., Mandel, D., Zemke, R., & Clark, F. (1998, May 1). Occupation in Lifestyle Redesign: The Well Elderly Study Occupational Therapy Program. Retrieved from https://ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1862541
Majnemer A. Balancing the boat: enabling an ocean of possibilities. Can J Occup Ther. 2010;77(4):198‐208. doi:10.2182/cjot.2010.77.4.2