Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

An empirical study to identify older adults’ engagement in productivity occupations

Knight, J., Ball, V., Corr, S., Turner, A., Lowis, M. J. and Ekberg, M. E. (2007) An empirical study to identify older adults’ engagement in productivity occupations. Journal of Occupational Science. 14(3), pp. 145-153. 1442-7591.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: There is little knowledge of the current level of engagement in productivity occupations by older adults in the United Kingdom. The aim of this study, therefore, was to explore the current productivity occupations of adults over 60 years who consider themselves to be healthy and the motivations that underpin those occupations. Structured interviews were conducted with 70 adults with a mean age of 72. Content analysis was used to explain productivity, occupational choices and motivators. The participants identified five roles and occupations they considered to be work: home-maker, volunteer, carer, paid employee and student, with most holding a home-maker role. Altruism and pleasure were reported as the most important motivators for engaging in productivity occupations. Further research is required to explore the possible link between pre-retirement work roles and the productivity choices made in later life
Uncontrolled Keywords: Productivity; occupations; older people
Subjects: R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology > RM735 Occupational therapy
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women > HQ1060 Aged. Gerontology (Social aspects). Retirement
Creators: Knight, Judith, Ball, Veronica, Corr, Susan, Turner, Ann, Lowis, Michael J and Ekberg, Merryn E
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Occupational Therapy
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Sports, Exercise & Life Sciences
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Occupational Therapy
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Sports, Exercise & Life Sciences
Date: 1 October 2007
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 145-153
Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Occupational Science
Volume: 14
Number: 3
Language: English
ISSN: 1442-7591
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/48

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