Geriatric Issues in Occupational Therapy: A Compendium of Leading Research

The fastest growing population in most developed societies is individuals older than 85. Also, the associations between age and certain health conditions (e.g., stroke, heart disease, cancer), low self-rated health, and reduced scores on measures of well-being are well documented. Yet, with all that is known about aging and its associated losses, most elderly people would count themselves as among the most satisfied and happiest members of society. Some even consider themselves to be productive in more meaningful ways than at any previous time in life.

This disparate picture of loss and satisfaction suggests that little is understood of the potentials introduced in later life. In other words, the losses associated with aging may be diminished by opportunities for meaningful endeavors that draw on a lifetime of accumulated wisdom and the freedom to be creative. This timely book, featuring the latest in research (2001-2003) from the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, discusses those losses and opportunities, covering topics such as dementia, stroke, older drivers, hand strength, visual and functional impairments, self-care, and well elderly issues.

Mary A. Corcoran, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is research professor, Department of Health Care Sciences, George Washington University, DC. She has degrees in occupational therapy, social gerontology, and health planning for the elderly.

Dr. Corcoran has a long history as an author, researcher, and educator. She has published and presented widely on the topics of environmental modifications, management of Alzheimer's disease, family caregiving, and collaboration. She has served as both principal investigator and co-principal investigator on several projects funded by the National Institute on Aging. He experience includes use of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies.

She is editor of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy.