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This article provides a secondary analysis of data collected from a recreation therapy intervention trial for older adults with dementia and neuropsychiatric symptoms. In a subsample of 54 individuals who received wheelchair (WC) biking on some days and other recreation therapy interventions on other days, a comparison of engagement levels, time engaged, and encouragement needed was completed. The analysis showed that WC biking provided significantly more time on task and significantly higher levels of engagement, and less encouragement was needed. Collecting recreation therapy session engagement data was found to be a simple and useful method of comparing effectiveness of recreation therapy interventions.

Introduction: To meet the needs of persons with dementia, adequate psychosocial interventions such as individualized music (IM) therapy is needed through resident involvement and person-centered care.Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of care staff working with IM in nursing home residents with dementia.Method: A qualitative, explorative, and descriptive design was used. Semistructured interviews of seven care staff from four nursing homes were carried out.Result: The main findings included improved person-centered care and resident involvement, categorized in the three main themes: (1) IM in care staff-resident relation, (2) IM as a psychosocial intervention for agitation and restlessness, and (3) IM and job satisfaction in care staff.Conclusion: These findings suggest that IM can improve facilitation of person-centered care, thus providing an increased focus on resident involvement.

The purpose of this article is to share the findings from the Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Healthy Aging panel that recently disseminated their research at the annual Gerontological Society of American Conference, November 18-22, 2009, in Atlanta, GA. The interdisciplinary panel examined the influence of alternative and complementary therapies for healthy aging. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine1 (NCCAM) reports that 38 percent of adults in the United States utilize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAMs offer an alternative or adjunct therapy that has lower risk of adverse side effects and offer a new perspective: healing the patient rather than simply treating them. Quality of life must be considered; more medications and medical interventions do not always equally increase the quality of life. The interventions presented promote a holistic approach (mind, body, and spirit) to wellness.