Whether we are referring to participating in a rigorous exercise program, performing physical activities, and/or participating in a structured rehabilitation program, motivation is essential to keep us participating, and active, in every aspect of daily life. As suggested in the following articles, there are several ways to define motivation and encourage participation in a variety of tasks, including rehabilitation.
In the following articles, motivation is specifically addressed from the perspectives of adult development and occupational engagement. In addition, a view on motivation from the theoretical perspective of self-determination is offered.
"Occupational Engagement: Motivation for Older Adult Participation" speaks to the developmental tasks and life situations encountered by the aging adult. In this article, the author, Regena Stevens-Ratchford, discusses the concept of lifestyle redesign as a way of developing and promoting a healthier way of living. It highlights habits and routines as well as successful aging strategies as natural motivators, as well as advocating for a person-centered approach to increase motivation. Using this approach serves to include the senior persons' lifetime experiences, challenges, and successes and apply them to future endeavors, such as rehabilitation. Dr Stevens-Ratchford, an occupational therapist, includes a brief patient scenario at the end of her article so as to emphasize these theoretical approaches to the management of chronic disease in the older adult.
In the article "Using a Multidimensional Approach to Predict Motivation and Adherence to Rehabilitation in Older Adults," by Emma Grindley and Samuel Zizzi, motivation is addressed in the context of older adult adherence to rehabilitation. These authors offer a unique point of view from the eyes of the sport psychologist working with the older individual. They offer several evidence-based recommendations to the practicing rehabilitation professional for increasing motivation and thus adherence in the older adult.
Marie Dacey and Renee Newcomer offer a counseling perspective when addressing motivation in the older adult population. Addressed in their article "A Client-centered Counseling Approach for Motivating Older Adults Toward Physical Activity" is the theory of self-determination as it applies to older adult engagement in physical activity. In addition, they also explore environmental determinants of health behavior motivation, as well as discuss a client-centered approach to motivating the older adult. Lastly, Drs Dacey and Newcomer have provided their readers with an interesting and challenging case presentation that serves to tie together theory and clinical application.
Lastly, the article "Motivation and the Senior Athlete: An Examination of the Psychometric Properties of the Sport Motivation Scale," by Keiba Shaw, Andrew Ostrow, and Jackson Beckstead, uses a multidimensional perspective of intrinsic and extrinsic factors to define motivation in the senior adult. Dr Shaw's perspective as a physical therapist, athlete, and sport psychology consultant enlightens the reader to enhancing motivation via the use of popular sport psychology techniques.
Overall, this issue of Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation should be interesting, informative, and revealing regarding the psychological as well as physical approach to motivation and the senior adult.
Keiba L. Shaw, EdD, PT, MPT, MA
Issue Editor