Movement is Medicine
- Melinda Babin
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
How Occupational Therapy Supports Healthy Aging
“An object in motion stays in motion… and if you keep moving, you’re going to get stronger.”
That’s one of the key insights from the latest episode of Sage Space, featuring Widsom contributor, Jamie Frank, a licensed occupational therapist who works across age groups and conditions. In this conversation with Wisdom CEO, Cathy Minter, Jamie demystifies occupational therapy (OT) and shares how it helps people stay independent, especially as they age.
🎧 Watch the Sage Space episode → YouTube
What’s the difference between OT and PT?
Physical therapy (PT) often focuses on strength, injury recovery, and mobility. Occupational therapy focuses on function, helping people do what matters most to them, whether that’s dressing, cooking, or moving safely around the house.
Why real-time data is a game-changer
Jamie explains how continuous data from the home (like balance or walking speed) helps spot silent markers of decline, long before a fall or injury occurs. With early insight, families and healthcare providers can make smart changes that reduce risk.
One example: The “Timed Up and Go” (TUG) test
This simple test tracks how long it takes to stand, walk 10 feet, and sit back down.
10–20 seconds: A cane may help with safety.
20+ seconds: A walker may be needed, and fall risk is higher.
Objective data like this offers a clear roadmap for aging safely.
Why it matters
Aging doesn’t mean slowing down as much as it means adapting. As Jamie puts it, "The goal is to live as many healthy years as possible.”
Whether you’re managing your own health or supporting someone you love, this episode is full of practical, hopeful insights on staying strong and steady at home.