The purpose of this study was to measure the quality of life through objective measures. General affect (self perception of one's quality of life) was correlated with seven satisfaction measures and five activity measures for 86 former patients treated in occupational therapy. Significant positive relationships were found between general affect and four out of seven satisfaction measures: satisfaction with job, with spare time, with standard of living, and with health. Nonsignificant relationships between general affect and five measures of activity—self-care, communication skills, homemaking, return to former activities, and ambulation—led the investigator to consider a theory of accommodation. Implications of this study support a mandate to continue services that will minimize the effects of losses and compensate for deficits so as to improve the quality of patients' lives.

A demonstration project, including interviews conducted before and after a period of occupational therapy intervention, with a group of well elderly citizens attending a nutrition site showed significant, positive improvements in Indexes of Social Resources, Life Satisfaction, and General Affect. The results appeared to validate the provision of a support system through intervention aimed at helping to keep the elderly in the community.

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