Recreation is not only a way of life, but recreation helps to prolong the quality of life. As a Recreational Therapist, we try to emphasis the importance of a healthy active life style. There are 38,000 therapeutic recreation professionals in the U.S and 15,000 active CTRSs (Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist) in the U.S which work in variety of settings from in-patient hospital to community organizations. 78.1% provide services form adults to older adults.(NCTRC 2002) Not only do Recreation Therapists assess, evaluate, treat the individuals needs, but they help to maintain the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the people we treat. With these skills, patients or clients are able to carry over techniques learned from the therapist. They build confidence, socialize effectively, reduce isolation, and decrease stress and anxiety.
CTRSs understand the importance of providing skills and techniques to enhance preventive education. Too many older adults are left without the information they need to continue a healthy active life style. For example, a person who has been healthy there whole life and has recently had a stroke feels helpless. The stroke left the person without the use of one side of body and prior loved to dance. The stroke has left feelings of insecurity both internally as well as externally. Some express feeling of depression and state that they may never be able to continue their hobbies again. A Recreation Therapist helps to adapt and assist the patient in finding the skills they need to regain strength, inc. self-esteem, and build a foundation again to return their interest. When provided with the internal therapy, the person is able to adapt more with the external world around them no matter what there hobbies are.
(ATRA), American Therapeutic Recreation Association, stated that through research positive health outcomes result from exercise, fitness, and relaxation interventions. All of these techniques are used by Recreation Therapists. The outcomes identified in the literature include, but not limited to improvement in long term health status and reduction in risk factors. “Further, in a group of individuals with spinal cord injury, activity level was found to be significantly related to the survival rate.”(ATRA)
Overall, Recreation has demonstrated decreased social isolation and significant increase in perceived quality of life.
As a Recreation Therapist myself, I am proud to provide these valuable life skills to each patient I treat. I have lived in Phoenix, AZ all my life and understand the importance of outdoor sports like golf. I have worked as a therapist in many different setting and golf has always been a popular interest. There are not many good adaptive golf programs available for a person who need extra assistance and that is why I am very excited to have heard about the Up-N-Swingin’ program. The need for these types of programs will continue to grow. What a great way for people in need to regain endurance while demonstrating multi tasks with golf skills. The best types of therapy are the ones were the person can participate in the activities that they really enjoy.
Article written by: Carol Graziano-Perez. CTRS
References: National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Pocket Profile of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), NY NY, August 2002.