Introduction: Population ageing presents an enormous problem for societies around the world. The older adults can contribute to society in many different ways. Several studies indicate that the older adults, who live actively and independently perform different every day activities, live longer than their peers. The role of occupational therapy is directed towards this goal, because it is focused on the discovery of meaning in existing as well as in new occupations. Purpose: To study the latest literature on the subject of occupations, which encourage healthy ageing. To describe the influence of independent performance of occupations to the health of individuals, well-being among the older adults and to define the role of an occupational therapist in encouraging healthy ageing and maintaining occupations. Methods: A systematic review of literature was conducted. The research was done between January and March 2022 in data bases Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, OTseeker and ProQuest. By our research we used a combination of different key words in English: health, occupation and older adults. The whole articles published in Slovene and English language between 2012 and 2022 in the fields of occupations, the influence of independent performance of occupations to healthy ageing and the definition of the occupational therapists role were included in the analysis. Results: We acquired the results with the help of content analysis of fourteen articles. We established four major topics: positive effects of occupations, occupations, which support healthy ageing, (subtopics: narrow every day activities, social inclusion, free time activities), occupational therapists role (subtopics: health promotion and effective work of an occupational therapist in the ageing process) and occupational adjustment. Discussion and conclusion: The satisfaction of life among older adults and along with the deterioration of health decreases in time, therefore we must encourage them, that they still engage in different occupations, after they have finished their active professional paths. We have discovered that occupations have a positive effect on the health and well-being of older adults. It enables the preservation of motor, process and social interactive skills, has a positive effect on the mental health of a person (it reduces stress and anxiety), it helps maintaining ones identity, which can be lost due to the omission of occupations and it enables the older adults to be included in the society, as a consequence they are more satisfied with their own life. The review of literature has a useful value, because it presents a thorough insight into the chosen topic. The findings can benefit further development of occupational therapy in Slovenia.
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