Occupation in Lifestyle Redesign, Essay Example

The main point of Jeanne Jackson and colleagues article, “Occupation in Lifestyle Redesign: The Well Elderly Study Occupational Therapy Program,” is that therapeutic interventions aimed at the elderly can have positive outcomes for both their long-term health and their daily living.  Jackson and colleagues describe an innovative preventative therapy program aimed at the well elderly, meaning those seniors who still live in the community, often on their own.  This study indicated that solely keeping busy is not enough of a stimulus or motivator for elderly populations; instead, an occupational therapy program which is grounded in basic theory and geared towards the physical, social, and mental health needs of seniors will assist in helping this population find meaningful occupations.  To this end, Jackson and colleagues noted the importance of employing occupational therapists who understand the issues of ageing, as well as those who demonstrate a sensitivity to different cultures and a desire to promote independence with the well elderly population.