Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, University of
Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Penelope A. Moyers, University of
Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46237, USA. Tel.: +1 317
788 3266; Fax: +1 317 788 3542; E-mail: moyers@uindy.edu
Abstract: The occupational adaptation practice model guided the search for and
the analysis of the literature on the older worker. The purpose of this
literature review was to: identify the occupational challenges that older
workers experience, determine ways in which the occupational therapist can
promote the occupational adaptation of older workers, and articulate the
research and policy changes implied in the model related to health and improved
productivity. The analysis of the worker's personal characteristics, work
tasks, and environments highlighted the types of occupational challenges that
may overwhelm the older worker's adaptive capacity. Straining adaptive capacity
of the older worker leads to degradation in levels of mastery. The occupational
therapist and others could assist the older worker to achieve relative mastery
in response to occupational challenges through ergonomic solutions, training,
assistive devices, management policy, and health promotion. Combined efforts of
the employer, of the occupational therapist, and of the older work to
capitalize on the older worker's years of experience, existing skills, and
knowledge facilitates higher job satisfaction, better performance, and an
increased sense of well-being in the older worker.
