Author/Authors :
Fox, Krista School of Medicine - Program in Occupational Therapy - Washington University - MO, USA , Baum, Carolyn M. School of Medicine - Program in Occupational Therapy - Washington University - MO, USA , Morrow-Howell, Nancy George Warren Brown School of Social Work - Washington University - MO, USA , Battista, Paula George Warren Brown School of Social Work - Washington University - MO, USA , Herbers, Stephanie Institute for Public Health - Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging - Washington University - MO, USA
Abstract :
Although maintaining engagement in activities has a positive influence on our health and wellbeing as we age, many programs that
serve older adults struggle with getting participation in the programs they offer. This study sought to explore activity disengagement
among older adults in a senior housing community and identify the challenges and opportunities for reengagement with the
aim of informing future intervention development and testing. Fifty-one adults over the age of 60 participated in structured
interviews. Findings highlighted that many older adults have activities patterns that are not optimal for health. Many reasons given
for disengaging in activities (e.g., no opportunity) were surprising given that participants lived in a setting where a variety of
programs were offered. Programs need to more purposively address social challenges to participating in activities and consider a
more person-centered approach when developing interventions for the older adults they serve
Keywords :
Activity Disengagement , Understanding Challenges , Opportunities , Reengagement
