Research indicates that the prevalence of loneliness and boredom may be higher for older adults living in residential facilities compared to adults who are community-dwelling. Leisure engagement plays a critical role in addressing these public health concerns, and recreational therapists are well positioned to facilitate interventions aimed at reducing these issues. This pilot study examined the relationship between leisure engagement, loneliness, and boredom among 65 older adults living in two residential communities with very different environmental resources (high vs low). Although adults residing in the lower resource facility reported higher levels of loneliness, no significant difference in loneliness mean values was found between communities. However, levels of boredom were significantly higher in the lower resource community, and overall boredom levels were strongly associated with levels of loneliness regardless of environmental resources. Adults in the lower resource community reported less participation in leisure activity and more barriers to physical and outdoor leisure activities. The findings of the study are discussed in terms of implications for recreational therapy practice and directions for future research.
With the increasing number of older adults living in nursing and assisted living homes, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRSs) proactively address issues that impact well-being, such as decreased autonomy. CTRSs serving older adults in the United States utilize a skill set that is uniquely positioned to promote autonomy through therapeutic relationship development and a person-centered care ideology. This conceptual paper proposes the Empowering Language Framework (ELF), an applied practice model that integrates established empowering language principles with a therapeutic recreation theoretical foundation to strengthen autonomy in older adults. ELF integrates self-determination theory, person-centered care, and the Flourishing Through Leisure Model with communication research that demonstrates the impact language has on autonomy. The framework identifies evidence-based language choices that reduce autonomy, such as stereotyping, elderspeak, or a paternalistic style. Empowering language approaches are recommended, such as person-first language, strength-based, and respectful dialogue. This language framework provides CTRSs with a tool that fosters autonomy in older adults. This framework offers application for practice and provides a foundation for the investigation of language based-interventions to improve autonomy and quality of life in older adults.
Surf therapy offers an innovative, nature-based approach to address complex health needs in children and youth. This scoping review synthesizes recent evidence of surf therapy’s physical, psychological, social, cognitive, functional, and spiritual benefits within a Whole Person Health framework. Findings indicate that surf therapy enhances cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, and balance while reducing fatigue and improving functional mobility. Participants also show reduced depression, anxiety, and stress alongside improved self-esteem, emotional regulation, and social connectedness. Notably, youth with disabilities often experience equal or greater gains compared to their peers. The review further discusses how decentralized, community-driven implementation—aligned with emerging social prescribing models—can integrate surf therapy into complementary and integrative health services. Relevance to holistic wellness, health equity, and interprofessional practice is highlighted. Implications for therapeutic recreation practice and policy include embracing surf therapy as a Whole Person Health intervention and integrating it into social prescribing and community behavioral health programs.
This paper, based on a presentation delivered at the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) annual conference on October 20, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas (Purrington, 2025), examines the integration of Generative AI (GenAI) technologies within recreational therapy’s process of assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation (APIED or TR/RT process). The paper defines two forms of AI relevant to current practice: Generative AI and Agentic AI. Drawing from informal conversations with professionals and related literature, the article illustrates specific applications where AI can enhance each phase of the APIED process while emphasizing that clinical decision-making must remain with the professional. Example cases are provided within each aspect of the TR/RT process. Challenges discussed include confidentiality protections, critical evaluation of AI-generated content, and equity in access to AI technologies. The paper concludes with a series of questions to address future practice and research as AI is integrated into the APIED process.
