Functional Performance in Older Adults

This book contains black-and-white illustrations.

The contributors represent diverse disciplines, however their messages create a coherent, integrated work of universal interest and application. I highly recommend the use of this text for allied health students who are studying geriatric rehabilitation and for clinicians who wish to renew their knowledge. Carole Knight, MEd, OTR/L, Occupational Therapy in Health Care Journal, Volume 16, Number 2/3 February 2003, review of the 2nd Edition. The ideal resource for rehabilitation professionals who are working with or preparing to work with older adults! It describes the normal aging process, illustrates how health and social factors can impede an aging person abilities, and demonstrates how to develop mechanisms for maximizing the well-being of older adults.

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.

Bette R. Bonder, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Professor and Graduate Coordinator, Department of Health Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio
Marilyn B. Wagner, PhD, PT, Associate Professor, Department of Health Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio