Exploring the Relationship Between Cherished Possesions, Occupations, and the Health of Older Adults
Graduation Date
2007
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Bonnie Napier-Tibere, EdD, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Stephen Leonard, MOT, OTR/L
Abstract
The population of older adults is on the rise and is expected to continue to grow. With older adults becoming a large percentage of the population, more research needs to be done on factors that affect their health and well-being. The environment and the objects within it contribute to individuals’ health and occupations. As individuals age, they often undergo a change of environment due to household downsizing, physical decline, or financial reasons. The objects that older adults choose to keep with them as they age help to create their physical environment.
The purpose of this research is to gather information regarding the meaning of personal objects to older adults and how the relationship and meaning of the objects contribute to their daily functioning and occupational well-being. Surveys were distributed to older adults through snowball sampling to collect data regarding cherished possessions and their meaning. A total of 31 participants returned the surveys. Five in depth interviews were conducted with individuals who agreed to participate.
The research data supports the idea that older adults have cherished possessions and that these possessions are cherished because they are associated with life events, people, place, and accomplishments. Numerous objects chosen by the participants were associated with occupations and memories of the objects’ meanings and stories added to their sense of well-being and success in various life roles. These results can be used to add to the body of knowledge regarding the effects of the environment on the occupations of older adults. Occupational therapists can use this information in planning therapeutic interventions in order to enable occupation and promote purposeful activities.