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Aims: Outdoor falls can result in significant challenges to the health and well-being of older adults. Therefore, factors associated with outdoor fall risk warrant attention in research and clinica...

Integration of mental health services in occupational therapy practice with older adults, meaning evaluation and intervention for mental health concurrent with rehabilitation for physical disabilities, is critical to providing quality care. This approach has been suggested in the context of primary care, but should be carried out across practice settings. Although mental health conditions have detrimental effects on the well-being of elders, seniors do not commonly seek out mental health services. For elders with late life and mild depressive symptoms, medications have only modest effects creating a strong need for nonpharmacological interventions. Although there are therapists addressing mental health in conjunction with treatment for physical disabilities, this is not the norm. In this issue/opinion paper, I argue for better integration of physical and mental health services in occupational therapy practice with older adults and in the education of occupational therapy practitioners.

Objective: This pilot study investigated predictors of life satisfaction among elders residing in senior residences with a focus on feeling valued and important (FVI), a seldom-studied predictor that has the potential for late-life changes through occupational therapy intervention. Method: Using existing data from an intervention study (N = 47), simultaneous multiple regression analysis was employed. Results: The regression model, which included predictors of self-rated health, education level, and FVI, was significant F(3,43) = 21.16, p < 0.001. Further, FVI was a stronger predictor of life satisfaction than the well-established predictor of self-rated health. Conclusion: FVI is a significant predictor of life satisfaction in older adults residing in senior residences. Practice implications include promoting participation in occupations that provide the opportunity for meaningful contributions to family and society.

Depressive symptoms can hinder occupational performance and decrease quality of life for older adults. Life review through writing workshops are an evidence-based intervention for addressing and preventing depressive symptoms in older adults. This article describes a life review through writing workshop that took place in four senior residences in NYC (New York City) as part of a research study. A discussion follows that includes ideas for implementing this occupation based intervention in different practice settings.

Given that the majority of older adults prefer to remain in their homes as they age, rather than relocate to an institution or live with family members, “aging in place” is critical to life satisfaction and quality of life for the older adult. To address this issue, the authors define place and discuss the aspects of place that could contribute to an individual's ability to “age in place.” Factors addressed include social capital and the physical environment (including the home and neighborhood environments). The authors present an argument for consideration to facilitate successful “aging in place,” and suggest an adaptive rather than remedial occupational therapy approach. This approach is contrary to the usual way of thinking in occupational therapy practice, where compensation or adaptation is usually not considered until remediation is complete. Finally, plans for the future in occupational therapy practice are discussed with emphasis on embracing the client's needs from a social capital pers...