Research Article
Issue Date: July/August 2018
Published Online: May 01, 2018
Updated: April 30, 2020
Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Social Participation and Leisure Engagement for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Stacy Smallfield; Whitney Lucas Molitor
Author Affiliations
  • Stacy Smallfield, DrOT, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA, is Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy and Medicine and Assistant Director, Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Professional Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; stacy.smallfield@wustl.edu
  • Whitney Lucas Molitor, OTD, OTR/L, BCG, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of South Dakota, Vermillion
Article Information
Evidence-Based Practice / Geriatrics/Productive Aging / Rehabilitation, Participation, and Disability / Special Section: Evidence Reviews
Research Article   |   May 01, 2018
Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Social Participation and Leisure Engagement for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 2018, Vol. 72, 7204190020. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.030627
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 2018, Vol. 72, 7204190020. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.030627
Abstract

This systematic review examines the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy that address leisure engagement and social participation among community-dwelling older adults. Eleven Level I, 1 Level II, 1 Level III, and 1 Level IV studies met inclusion criteria. Included articles addressed two themes: interventions supporting social participation and interventions supporting leisure engagement. Strong evidence supports leisure education interventions to enhance leisure engagement, and moderate evidence supports chronic disease self-management programs to support leisure engagement. Mixed evidence exists for community-based group interventions and electronic gaming to support social participation. Routine use of leisure education and chronic disease self-management programs to enhance leisure engagement and selective use of community-based groups and electronic gaming to support social participation are recommended.