ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses societal and global trends that predict likely changes in human occupation and occupational therapy during the 21st century. Transformative changes are occurring because of the rapid development of digital technologies accelerated by artificial intelligence (AI). The chapter describes how these trends will continue to impact work, transportation, and health care, including occupational therapy. Robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), generative AI, and virtual reality (VR) are identified as current primary accelerators. These have implications for the health of individuals, groups, and populations and may require additional focus on lifestyle-related interventions for changes in work and leisure. The known and possible adverse consequences of these trends are identified. The chapter also discusses changes in values, the impact of pandemics and weather events on human migration, lifestyles, and occupational therapy's relevance to refugeeism and disaster response.
