Occupational Therapy and Older People

Book excerpt: This book locates older people as major clients of occupational therapy services. It provides a comprehensive resource for students and a basic working reference for clinicians. The book encompasses current theories, debates and challenges which occupational therapists need to engage in if they are to provide pro-active and promotional approaches to ageing. Detailed coverage of bodily structures, functions and pathologies leads onto chapters dedicated to activity, occupation and participation. The ethos of the book is to inspire innovation in the practice of occupational therapy with older people, promoting successful ageing that entails control and empowerment. This new edition has been fully revised and updated. In addition brand new material has been included on occupational transitions (retirement, frailty and end of life); user perspectives; public health including advocacy, enablement and empowerment; people entering old age with disability and mental health conditions; visual impairment; assistive technology driving and ageism.