Episode 21:6 Dr. Pamela Toto on Living Healthy at Home

In this episode of the Glowing Older podcast, Nancy Griffin interviews Dr. Pamela Toto, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Occupational Therapy and director of the Pitt Healthy Home Lab. They discuss optimal aging in place, the role of occupational therapy in helping older adults live independently, and the innovative projects and technologies being developed to support this mission. Pam shares insights on the significance of home environments, the balance between safety and independence, and the need for early planning in aging.

About Pam

Pamela Toto, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA. FGSA is an occupational therapist, a Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and the Director of the Healthy Home Laboratory – a community laboratory that brings the best science into home settings to maximize independence, health, and safety. Board Certified in Gerontology and a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Gerontological Society of America, Dr. Toto’s interests focus on implementing effective strategies in everyday settings to promote aging in place.

She is currently the Primary Investigator for a Technical Studies grant funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Studies determining how best to integrate smart technologies into existing community-based home modification programs.

Key Takeaways

• The Healthy Home Lab focuses on interprofessional collaboration to support aging adults. Professionals include nurses, social workers, engineers, occupational and physical therapists, physicians, and physician assistants.
• Aging in place is about more than just living in a house; it's about participating in meaningful activities and being part of a community.
• Home retrofitting is best achieved through small, manageable changes rather than major renovations. Intervening early in the aging process can prevent larger issues and is often more cost-effective.
• Lighting improvements are one of the simplest and most effective changes for aging in place.
• Risk management is essential; older adults should have the right to make choices about their living environment.
• Occupational therapists are trained to help people across the lifespan with activities of daily living and help people maximize their bodies and minds.