Functional Performance in Older Adults by Bette R. Bonder, Vanina Dal Bello-Haas

From the Publisher

Bonder, Bette R., PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA(Cleveland State Univ); Wagner, Marilyn B., MA, PT(Cleveland State Univ)

The contributors represent the specialties of occupational therapy, nursing management, gerontology, anthropology, social work, speech and hearing science, physical therapy, psychiatry, epidemiology, and psychology.

Laurie Rockwell-Dylla

Part 1 of this book describes the normal aging process in terms of the ""experience"" of growing old as well as the ""components"" of a performance (e.g., sensory, cognitive) that are compromised in normal aging. The second part describes factors that contribute to dysfunction in older adults and discusses intervention strategies to maintain and improve functional performance of older individuals. The book provides an understanding of ""what it is that older individuals want to do, need to do, what facilitates accomplishment of those tasks and what interferes."" This is accomplished by providing insight into the needs of older adults and their families and discussion of intervention that is effective and meaningful. Although written for health care providers, allied health care students and clinicians, particularly in the fields of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and recreational therapy, will find it most useful. The authors and multidisciplinary contributors are credible authorities in the subject of aging and function. Several tables, figures, and photographs of adequate quality illustrate and clarify text in each chapter. Extensive references provide resources that are pertinent and timely. A unique feature is the inclusion of introductory quotations that are insightful and relevant to each chapter. A list of objectives and review questions for each chapter and a glossary are extremely useful. Case examples are another means of translating theoretical concepts into real-world application. This book offers a blending of theoretical concepts, practical assessment, and intervention strategies for improving the functional performance and quality of life of older individuals andtheir families. Although chapters are introductory in nature, experienced clinicians in geriatric practice would benefit from this resource. Given the textbook format of this publication, students and faculty would especially benefit from its use in undergraduate gerontology courses, especially in the field of occupational therapy.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Amy J. Kratz, OTR/L (Creighton University)
Description:This book provides a current look at aging and its influence on an individual's ability to engage in activities of importance. This edition includes an expansion of several chapters from the previous 1994 edition and chapters on such issues as community-based care, theories on aging, wellness, sexuality, and driving.
Purpose:The purpose is to educate occupational therapists, physical therapists, and students about aging and its impact on functional performance and quality of life. Authors meet this purpose through inclusion of chapters related to normal aging as well as those related to specific interruptions in functional performance.
Audience:Students and professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge and increase skills for working with the elder population will enjoy reading this book. Thirty-three individuals from the fields of occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, speech-language pathology, and gerontology pool their expertise to inform healthcare professionals about the aging process and possible interventions. The extensive experience of authors working with the elder population enhances the depth and breadth of content covered in this book.
Features:Experts in geriatrics discuss 24 different topics of importance to this population. The book begins by familiarizing the reader with effects of normal aging on activities of the older adult. The second part of the book focuses on dysfunction and intervention concluding with how therapists deal with end of life issues. Chapters include helpful tables and diagrams as well as case studiesand review questions to aid the reader in understanding content.
Assessment:The focus on function and activity of the older adult throughout this hook makes this a valuable resource for geriatric practitioners. With this second edition, readers receive the latest information and intervention strategies for working with the older adult. Information difficult to address with the elderly population such as sexuality and driving make this book an important resource for those working with older adults.

Booknews

The health-care industry is showing a growing interest in people's abilities to do everyday activities in their daily lives; research shows that older adults who can accomplish meaningful activities are relatively satisfied with their lives, regardless of their objective health. For these reasons, the work of therapists, social workers, psychologists, and other professionals whose focus is on quality of life has gained increasing importance. The editors (health sciences, Cleveland State U.) selected contributors from the US, Canada, and Australia who represent a variety of perspectives on the aging process, activities of older adults, factors contributing to dysfunction, intervention strategies, and special topics such as technology, driving, and the end of life. Chapters new to this edition include theories of aging, sexuality, wellness, and community-based care. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Rating

3 Stars from Doody

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents