Occupational Performance of Activities of Daily Living among Elderly Canadians in the Community

Abstract

Sociocultural role expectations for occupational performance by individuals and groups differentiated on the basis of age, gender, and other social characteristics are of central interest to occupational therapy practice based on the occupational performance model. Data analysed from the public use microdata file of the 1985 General Social Survey of Canadians reveal important differences in social role expectations and patterns of occupational performance among a representative sample of elderly Canadians (N=3,130), as evidenced by their social support for certain activities of daily living. Significant gender and age differences are identified in the types and sources of social support provided and received, with elderly men much more likely than elderly women to receive help with housework, meal preparation, and grocery shopping. Such information contributes to the development of a broad national context for the client-centred practice of occupational therapy with elderly Canadians, and points to the need for further research on sociocultural influences on occupational performance across the lifespan.