50 Studies Every Occupational Therapist Should Know

Book excerpt: "By the year 2050, one in every six people in the world is expected to be an older adult (65 years or older) (United Nations, 2019). Alongside the opportunities afforded by increased longevity and decline in mortality is the challenge of rising multimorbidity across the globe. More than 66% of older adults live with more than one chronic condition (Ofori-Asenso et al., 2019), which increases the likelihood of developing functional limitations and disability that often significantly detract from quality of life. This has drawn necessary attention to how society can successfully adapt to population aging and capitalize on opportunities to build a vibrant older population. Discussions about lifespan have steadily transitioned to "ears of life during which one enjoys health and wellbeing, free from chronic disease and disability. From an occupational lens, productive aging "...celebrate[s] older adults' capabilities, potential, and social and economic contributions" (Misey Boyer, 2007, p.8). Occupational therapy (OT) brings distinct value to productive aging by facilitating participation in meaningful occupations, promoting health and wellbeing, and offering cost-effective, client-centered solutions that result in positive health outcomes (AOTA, 2016)"--