Introduction: Older adults experience declines in physical, mental, and social functions due to aging and retirement. Occupational therapists are experts who provide various interventions to help improve these functions. Among these, occupation-based interventions support clients in performing meaningful activities within their environments. However, few studies have systematically reviewed and analyzed the methods and effects of occupation-based interventions for the elderly.
Objectives: This study aims to identify the methods and outcomes of occupation-based interventions, as well as the dependent variables and assessment tools used in studies on occupation-based interventions for the elderly.
Methods: Studies were collected using Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, RISS. There was no restriction on the study period. The study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and a total of seven studies were included.
Results: Of the total seven studies, three were randomized controlled trials, three were one-group non-randomized studies, and one was single-case studies. The most frequently assessed dependent variable in the selected studies was occupational performance, followed by a variety of other variables such as physical function, cognitive function, depression, and quality of life. The effects of the interventions showed significant improvements in various aspects, including occupational performance, quality of life, and reductions in depression.
Conclusion : This study aimed to propose the evidence and direction for the development and research of occupation-based interventions for older adults. Future research should be conducted with a focus on high-quality studies and on verifying the effectiveness of occupation-based interventions on various aspects of Elderly.