Embedding health-promoting changes into the daily lives of independent-living older adults: long-term follow-up of occupational therapy intervention.
The Well Elderly Study was a randomized trial in independent-living older adults that found significant health, function, and quality of life benefits attributable to a 9-month program in preventive occupational therapy (OT). All participants completing the trial were followed for an additional 6 months without further intervention and then reevaluated using the same battery of instruments. Long-term benefit attributable to preventive OT was found for the quality of interaction scale of the Functional Status Questionnaire and for six of eight scales on the RAND SF-36: physical functioning, role functioning, vitality, social functioning, role emotional, and general mental health (p<.05). Approximately 90% of the therapeutic gain observed following OT treatment was retained in follow-up. The finding of a sustained effect for preventive OT is of great public health relevance given the looming health care cost crisis associated with our nation's expanding elderly population.
Clark
F
F
Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
Azen
S P
SP
Carlson
M
M
Mandel
D
D
LaBree
L
L
Hay
J
J
Zemke
R
R
Jackson
J
J
Lipson
L
L
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D011788:Quality of Life