Revista Chilena de Terapia Ocupacional (Jun 2017)
[Article title missing]
Abstract
Objectives: The Active Aging focuses on the participation of older people in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs, not only in the ability to be physically and mentally active. Occupational Therapy with knowledge and tools can play a key role in promoting Active Aging. The aim was to study the relationship between Occupational Therapy and promoting Active Aging, from the perceptions of occupational therapists working in care resources at people over the city of A Coruna. Methodology: The study is part of qualitative research, within the phenomenological paradigm, using semistructured interview and field notebook as data collection techniques. The sample of the study is formed by 10 professionals of occupational therapy who work in care day centers and residences of A Coruña. Results: Despite the importance of Occupational Therapy in Active Aging programs, we can see in participants a significant lack of knowledge about the phenomenon, which is evident in the difficulty to justify their practice, as well as the benefits of the discipline for elderly. Conclusions: It is considered very important to include information and education in the curricula and training programs for health workers, revealing the basic principles of Active Aging. It is also very important to continue to work unwrapping delve into the relationship between Active Aging and Occupational Therapy.