Occupational Therapy Crucial for 'Aging in Place' Amidst Doubling Senior Population by 2050
By 2050, the global population over 65 is projected to double, creating significant financial and caregiving challenges. To address this, systematic research indicates that effective 'aging in place' strategies require multidomain interventions targeting the physical, cognitive, and social aspects of healthy aging. Occupational therapy (OT) is identified as a specialized field uniquely equipped to provide this comprehensive care. However, widespread, turn-key business models to deliver OT services at scale for aging in place are currently lacking. Dawn Heiderscheidt, an occupational therapist, is pioneering a business model to leverage OT skills for aging-in-place needs, including home assessments and interventions.
