Enjoyable, engaging and individualised: A concept analysis of meaningful activity for older adults with dementia

Abstract

Aim:The term "meaningful activity" is widely used in policy, practice and the research literature. However, definition and use of the term is unclear and inconsistent. A concept analysis was conducted to explore the fundamental attributes that make an activity meaningful for older adults with dementia and propose a conceptual model for understanding "meaningful activity" in this population. Methods: This study followed Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis. Searches were conducted in the Scopus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Academic Search Elite and Web of Science databases for literature using the term "meaningful activity." Papers published before 1996 were excluded. Results: Twenty-nine papers concerned with "meaningful activity" were analysed. This analysis identified five attributes that make activities meaningful for people with dementia: (a) enjoyable; (b) suited to the individual's skills, abilities and preferences; (c) related to personally relevant goals; (d) engaging; and (e) related to an aspect of identity. The conceptual model illustrates how individual and opportunity factors influence participation in "meaningful activity" and the consequences of this participation as discussed in the existing literature. Conclusion: The findings of this concept analysis provide insight into what characteristics make an activity meaningful. Specific activities that are meaningful are different for each person and participation in personally 'meaningful activities' has the potential to positively impact the lives of people with dementia. Implications for practice: This understanding of 'meaningful activity' can be used by those involved in research, planning or delivery of services and care for people with dementia to encourage and support participation in activities that are meaningful to individuals. K E Y W O R D S concept analysis, dementia, meaningful activity, older adults, person-centred care

Therapeutic music interventions with people with dementia living in residential aged care: Perspectives of residents, family members and care home staff from a cluster randomised controlled trial

“…Meaningful activity encompasses experiences that are enjoyable, engaging, responsive to individuals' abilities, needs and preferences, and express and reinforce identity (Tierney & Beattie, 2020). Music, reminiscence, family and social activities that are meaningful for people with dementia living in residential-aged care (RAC; herein residents) (Harmer & Orrell, 2008), add to growing support for inclusion of music and music interventions to promote person-centred care (Baker et al, 2019;McDermott et al, 2013).…”

“…Globally, the rise in the number of people living with dementia has seen increasing demands for improved quality of care with emphasis on person‐centred care and meaningful activity that promotes psychosocial well‐being and quality of life (Brooker & Latham, 2016). Meaningful activity encompasses experiences that are enjoyable, engaging, responsive to individuals' abilities, needs and preferences, and express and reinforce identity (Tierney & Beattie, 2020). Music, reminiscence, family and social activities that are meaningful for people with dementia living in residential‐aged care (RAC; herein residents) (Harmer & Orrell, 2008), add to growing support for inclusion of music and music interventions to promote person‐centred care (Baker et al, 2019; McDermott et al, 2013).…”

Dog visits in nursing homes – increase complexity or keep it simple? A randomised controlled study

“…Activities presumed to be meaningful for the individual increase engagement, regardless of cognitive function, whereas work-related activities are more engaging for residents with moderate compared to severe dementia [ 41 ]. This shows that the type and content of the activity is indeed important and should be appropriate with regard to the cognitive as well as physical abilities of the individual [ 44 , 45 ]. With the results from the present study, and general knowledge about participation in nursing home activities, the next step is to tailor dog visits, taking into account the different needs and abilities of residents with varying cognitive impairment levels.…”

Ageing, technology, and health: Advancing the concepts of autonomy and independence

“…Meaningful activities contribute to an older adult's sense of identity. 24 When autonomy is expressed in the form of engagement in meaningful activities, there is a positive impact on one's psychosocial and physical well-being. 24,25 People's interests, needs, identity, and, inevitably, their autonomy are shaped by their relation to others.…”

“…Meaningful activities contribute to an older adult’s sense of identity. 24 When autonomy is expressed in the form of engagement in meaningful activities, there is a positive impact on one’s psychosocial and physical well-being. 24 , 25 …”