Background β aim: Older people are one of the largest
groups using health-care services; therefore, it is important
for occupational therapists to have an understanding of
their occupational lives. Temporality is a key element of
occupation, yet little research exists regarding older people
and time use, despite the considerable temporal adjustments
taking place at this lifestage. The aim of this study
was to identify the occupational lives of healthy older
people through the activities they undertake in a 24-hour
period.
Method: Data analysis of time-use diaries from 90 older
UK residents (aged 60β85 years) who considered themselves
to be healthy was undertaken, using 15 activity
codes and three pre-coded terms: necessary, enjoyable and
personal.
Results: The participants spent most of their time sleeping
and resting (34%), followed by performing domestic
activities (13%), watching television, listening to the radio
or music, or using computers (11%), eating and drinking
(9%) and socialising (6%). Enjoyable activities occupied
most of their time (42% of the day), followed by necessary
(34%) and personal activities (16%).
Conclusion: These data contribute to the growing evidence
base regarding older people as occupational beings,
indicating that they are a diverse group of individuals
who are meeting their needs with dynamic, positive activities.
This highlights the importance of a client-centred
approach to occupational therapy, as it enables the clients
to have choice, control and diversity in their activities
when meeting their needs
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