Flourishing in later life: a positive psychology training for care-workers

Abstract

Most careworkers would agree that continued engagement is important and necessary for residents of a long-term care facility; however, the manner in which careworkers can plan activities in order to be engaging and motivating to residents is less certain. A program based on positive psychology is presented that aims to promote meaningful, engaging, and intrinsically motivating activities that can benefit any resident living in care. The program demonstrates positive psychology and self-determination theory to careworkers and the manner in which this knowledge can be applied to older populations. The program then informs careworkers how to facilitate interventions that promote gratitude, forgiveness, hope, altruism, and apply signature strengths to meaningful pursuits. These interventions can be implemented regardless of physical limitations and can help residents to flourish in long-term care.