Association Between Occupational Participation and Quality of Life in Japanese Older Adults

Abstract

Positive associations between occupational participation and quality of life (QoL) are known in various populations, but there are few reports in older adults in Japan. To quantify the association between occupational participation in meaningful occupations and QoL among Japanese community-dwelling older adults. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to 626 older adults. QoL was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO)-five well-being index, and occupational participation in meaningful occupations was measured with the self-administered occupational performance index. The association between occupational participation and QoL was analyzed. Among 367 participants, significant associations were found between occupational participation in meaningful occupations and QoL. In addition, participants with lower QoL exhibited lower levels of occupational participation in occupational control, occupational balance, and satisfaction of performance domains. There is a positive association between occupational participation and QoL among Japanese older adults. Occupational therapists should prioritize occupational participation to support the well-being of older adults.

Plain Language Summary

Occupational participation in meaningful occupation in later life: How engagement in leisure, productivity, and self-care might improve the well-being of community-dwelling older adults

This study explored the connection between occupational participation in meaningful occupation and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. Researchers surveyed older adults living in community in Japan to learn about their leisure, productivity, and self-care activities, as well as their quality of life. The results showed that older adults with good occupational participation in these activities generally reported feeling happier and healthier. This could suggest that a good occupational control, occupational balance, and satisfaction of performance in three occupational categories (leisure, productivity, and self-care) that older adults perceive as meaningful have a positive impact on their quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of supporting older people to choose, construct, and engage satisfactorily in their meaningful occupations. Occupational therapists can play a crucial role in helping older individuals identify and engage in occupations that promote a sense of purpose and fulfillment.