Gerontological Society of America 2009 conference briefs: Alternative and complementary therapies for healthy aging

Authors

  • Nancy E. Richeson, PhD, CTRS
  • Linda L. Buettner, PhD, LRT, CTRS
  • Karen M. Rose, PhD, RN
  • Sandy Burgener, PhD, GNP-BC, FAAN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2009.0022

Keywords:

-

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to share the findings from the Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Healthy Aging panel that recently disseminated their research at the annual Gerontological Society of American Conference, November 18-22, 2009, in Atlanta, GA. The interdisciplinary panel examined the influence of alternative and complementary therapies for healthy aging. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine1 (NCCAM) reports that 38 percent of adults in the United States utilize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAMs offer an alternative or adjunct therapy that has lower risk of adverse side effects and offer a new perspective: healing the patient rather than simply treating them. Quality of life must be considered; more medications and medical interventions do not always equally increase the quality of life. The interventions presented promote a holistic approach (mind, body, and spirit) to wellness.

Author Biographies

Nancy E. Richeson, PhD, CTRS

Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies, University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine.

Linda L. Buettner, PhD, LRT, CTRS

Professor, Department of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality Management, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina.

Karen M. Rose, PhD, RN

Center for the Study of Complementary & Alternative Therapies, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Sandy Burgener, PhD, GNP-BC, FAAN

Associate Professor, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

References

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Available at http://nccam.nih.gov. Accessed February 10, 2009.

Martindale BP: Effect of animal-assisted therapy on engagement of rural nursing home residents. Am J Recreation Ther. 2008; 7: 45-53.

Health and Human Services: 2003.

Rose KM, Taylor AG, Bourguignon C, et al.: Cranial electrical stimulation: Potential use in reducing sleep and mood disturbances in persons with dementia and their family caregivers. Alzheimers Care Today. 2009; 10: 108-114.

Center for Disease Control: The state of aging and health in America. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/State_of_Aging_and_Health_in_America_2004.pdf. Accessed January 21, 2008.

Published

10/01/2009

How to Cite

Richeson, PhD, CTRS, N. E., Buettner, PhD, LRT, CTRS, L. L., Rose, PhD, RN, K. M., & Burgener, PhD, GNP-BC, FAAN, S. (2009). Gerontological Society of America 2009 conference briefs: Alternative and complementary therapies for healthy aging. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 8(4), 5–7. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2009.0022

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