Active Aging Orlaith Mc Phillips

Don’t grow old, everything becomes harder…. Patients Experiences Old Age hit me like a truck, suddenly I had nothing to do and nobody to look after….. Things I used to do became pointless and I struggled to find a purpose in getting up….. I used to feel like my family needed me, now they have grown up I feel like just another visitor in their life….. Don’t grow old, everything becomes harder….

Identification of client group: Person Occupation Environment Change or loss of roles, routines and relationships. Physical health issues may restrict them in completing activities that they once enjoyed. Mental health issues such as anxiety reduced self esteem, low mood or motivation to meet new people or try something new. Environment.

Active Aging and Social Participation Three Pillars of Active Aging: 1. Health 2. Security 3. Participation Social participation and social support are strongly associated with good health and well-being throughout life (Clark et al, 1997). WHO (2002) defines active aging as ‘It allows people to realize their potential for physical, social, and mental well being throughout the life course and to participate in society according to their needs’ Participation in social and productive activity can prevent functional decline (Menec, 2003).

Occupational Therapy’s Role Social participation and health promotion is closely linked with OT core beliefs. Profession is committed to occupation and client centred approaches to help restore and maintain participation in everyday activities (Scaffa et al, 2010) OT’s promote the development and maintenance of mental functioning abilities through engagement in productive meaningful activities and relationships. OT’s evaluate occupational capabilities, values and performance.(AOTA,2008)

Aging: What's Art got to do with it? Creative activities can be used as a means to facilitate problem-solving and enhance learning, both of which may contribute to a person’s sense of control in life (Creek, 2002). As a vehicle of self-expression creative activities may be used to express feelings, increase self-awareness and insight to a situation . Successful completion of the activity can provide a sense of intrinsic satisfaction which may be an important source of self esteem (Creek, 2002; Finlay, 1997)

Aims of the group: Develop an understanding of how social inclusion can promote mental and physical well-being. Opportunity for social participation and engagement in groups. Encourage social integration through developing good communication skills and creative activities. Develop awareness of factors that can affect the physical and mental well-being for older adults. To gain skills to self-manage well-being. Improve confidence when interacting with others. Improve self esteem

Session 1: Original Plan Evaluation Using Reminiscence as the basis of the session- Discuss what leisure activities the patients did in the past. Discuss activities patients were involved in prior to admission. Discuss about the activities they are involved in whilst in hospital. Activity: Making the pot from fabric and decorate. Pot will represent Home. What didn’t work? What did Work? Therefore: Mixture of games and creative activity

Session 2: Original Plan Evaluation This session will focus on identifying and tying to overcome barriers to social engagement. Connect Be Active Keep Learning. Activity: planting the ‘seeds’ and making the stems for the flower pots. What worked? What didn’t work? If I was to do it again?

Session 3: Original Plan Evaluation Discuss the five ways to well being: Give Take Notice Activity: Self esteem activity Reminiscence Game Write goals on the flowers in relation to ‘Give and ‘Take Notice’ What worked? What didn’t work?

Session 4: Summarise the sessions Goal Setting in preparation for discharge. Continuation in the Community with their Care Co-Ordinator. Discuss Referrals to V-Spa

Challenges to Active Aging Restricted in finding out what is available in the community Referrals to V-Spa have to come from an AHP. Lack of continuation in community care. Nature of Acute Care- Treat the Immediate Issue Continuation from week to week Group Dynamics Physical capabilities

Group Therapy: Benefits: Peer support and recognition Learning from others Social interaction Opportunities to take on roles Limitations: Not confident to get involved or disclose interests Activity might interest women more

Group Evaluation: They enjoyed playing games that replicated TV shows. The games created more discussion and fun, although some still enjoyed doing the creative activity. Some liked that they could take the flower home with them as a reminder. On a practical level: Liaise with the ward to arrange a time that ward round didn’t restrict attendance to the group. The sacred space created a welcoming environment and attendees preferred it to the pottery room.

Any Questions?