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Research Article  |   May 1998
Occupation in Lifestyle Redesign: The Well Elderly Study Occupational Therapy Program
Jeanne Jackson; Mike Carlson; Deborah Mandel; Ruth Zemke; Florence Clark
Author Affiliations
  • Jeanne Jackson, PhD, OTR, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar, CHP-133, Los Angeles, California 90032
  • Mike Carlson, PhD, is Research Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
  • Deborah Mandel, MA, OTR, is Instructor and Doctoral Student, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
  • Ruth Zemke, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, is Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
  • Florence Clark, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, is Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
Article Information
Geriatrics/Productive Aging / Special Issue on Occupation-Centered Practice and Education / Guest Editor Wendy Wood
Research Article   |   May 1998
Occupation in Lifestyle Redesign: The Well Elderly Study Occupational Therapy Program
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 1998, Vol. 52, 326-336. doi:10.5014/ajot.52.5.326
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 1998, Vol. 52, 326-336. doi:10.5014/ajot.52.5.326
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Abstract

This article describes an innovative preventive occupation-al therapy intervention for well older adults, the Well Elderly Treatment Program. In a previously reported large-scale randomized effectiveness study, this intervention was found to be highly successful in enhancing the physical and mental health, occupational functioning, and life satisfaction of multicultural, community-dwelling elders. In this article, the philosophical background, manner of development, topical content, methods of program delivery, and mechanisms underlying the program’s positive effects are discussed, along with implications for occupational therapy practice. The treatment was based on application of occupational science theory and research and emphasized the therapeutic process of lifestyle redesign in enabling the participants to actively and strategically select an individualized pattern of personally satisfying and health-promoting occupations. The wide-ranging effectiveness of the program supports the occupational therapy profession’s emphasis on occupation in affecting health and positions practitioners to extend their services to the realm of preventive interventions.