Citation

Lilley J, Jackson LT. Activ. Adapt. Aging 1994; 18(1): 49-64.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J016v18n01_05

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review literature related to the value of activities and establish a foundation for legitimizing the activity therapy profession as a means of promoting cost-efficient care for our nation's elderly in long term care settings. Improved life satisfaction is cited as a fundamental goal for nursing home residents, and a general argument is made for the effectiveness of activities in meeting that goal. Specific examples are given to illustrate how certain activities benefit areas of the resident's life according to the health model (McDonald, 1982). (i.e., physical wellbeing, interpersonal relations, personal development, and spiritual/transcendenta1 activities). A special section is devoted to the value of activities as an adjunctive or alternative treatment for anxiety and depression. Finally implications are made on the basis of the literature about the cost effectiveness of activity programs in long term care settings. This paper was developed for the National Association of Activity Professionals in order to provide the basis for a publication on the cost-effectiveness of activities.