| MAY 21, 2015 -- Dr. Karen Macdonald has recently completed a four-year project and published a new textbook titled ”Productive Aging: An Occupational Perspective.” Macdonald is a member of Redding Grange of Redding, Connecticut and holds the state Grange office of Connecticut State Ceres.
The book is written by Karen C. Macdonald, PhD OTR/L with Marilyn B. Cole, MS OTR/L FAOTA and is published by Slack Books. It is available for purchase on Amazon.com.
Macdonald explains that “although designed as a textbook, anyone who would like to learn ‘the secrets of successful aging’ might enjoy the findings of our Productive Aging Study, in which forty seniors were interviewed.”
The book takes a fresh look “at our rapidly expanding and diverse older population” according to the official product description, and “outlines self-management strategies for promoting participation and engagement in productive occupations for the older persons’ own continuing development, health, and well-being.”
A 98 year old very active Grange member, Sue Sulla, was a participant in Macdonald’s research. Macdonald believes that organizations like the Grange play a key role in productive aging. “Some of the key findings would support beliefs that belonging to organizations such as the Grange, promotes many concepts for wellness and quality of life, through social connections and participation in self fulfilling activities,” Macdonald says.
Macdonald has specialized in geriatric occupational therapy for 35 years. Her undergraduate degree in occupational therapy was from Quinnipiac University. She received her master’s degree in Counseling the Aging from the University of Bridgeport. At New York University, she earned a PhD in occupational therapy.
Roles in adult day care and long-term care as a clinician included program design and intervention for individuals and groups with acute and chronic conditions. Eventually specializing in dementia management, she was the Coordinator of the Special Care Unit at the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield, CT.
Over the years, she has participated in public speaking, research, and consulting roles. Currently, she teaches at Sacred Heart University and Housatonic Community College. She is listed in Marquis’ Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the World. Personal interests include travels and organizations including the Grange in CT, with her husband, Geno Piacentini, as well as quilting, gardening, and visiting nearby seashores.
(Amazon Book Link - http://www.amazon.com/Productive-Aging-An-Occupational-Perspective/dp/1617110779) |
