Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
4-16-2026
Faculty Mentor
Elizabeth Crawford
Abstract
Due to the increasing population of older adults, the need for health promotion and wellness-based interventions that support effective participation in their respective occupations is essential. Literature supports that engaging in physical activity, health education, and social participation are critical factors in increasing the quality and longevity of life among community-dwelling older adults. A doctoral capstone project was conducted at a community-based day program for low-income older adults to promote wellness, engagement, and continued participation in meaningful occupations.
The purpose of this project was to design and implement group sessions consisting of therapeutic exercise and health education to integrate education, physical activity, and social participation with the goal of increasing the overall wellness of the clients.
The sessions focused on an array of strengthening physical abilities such as balance, range of motion, flexibility, endurance, cardiovascular health, and overall mobility. In addition, it aimed to increase participants’ knowledge of health maintenance behaviors and available community resources to support continued participation in exercise and wellness activities.
The capstone project goals included developing evidence-based strategies to engage and motivate older adults in health-promoting behaviors, implementing structured wellness resources, increasing confidence and competence in facilitating group activities, and evaluating program effectiveness to support sustainability within the setting.
Data was collected via paper-based surveys pre- and post-intervention. The surveys utilized a Likert scale format that allowed the participants to rate the effectiveness, enjoyment, and perceived benefit of the sessions. This method provided a simple and accessible way for the participants to reflect on their experiences.
Outcomes of the project demonstrated improvements in participants’ awareness of health maintenance strategies and greater knowledge of resources available for continued physical activity beyond the program. Participants demonstrated enhanced social engagement and reported improvements in overall well-being. These findings suggest that occupation-based group interventions combining exercise and education can effectively support physical, cognitive, and social health in older adults. Continued implementation of structured wellness programming in community senior settings may further promote healthy aging and support aging in place.
Recommended Citation
Webb, Michael, "Stronger Bodies, Sharper Minds: Promoting Wellness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Through Exercise and Health Education" (2026). Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium. 138.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-elotd/138