Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Transitioning To Retirement: Useful Topics For A Wellness Program With Retired Older Adults, Katie Spitzmueller, Amy Feller

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Retirement has evolved from traditional stereotypes to an individualized plan. Transitioning into retirement can be a stressful time and it is generally accepted that pre-retirement attitudes impact post-retirement success (Marshall, Clarke & Ballantyne, 2001). A wellness program can make the transition into retirement less difficult by incorporating different dimensions of wellness: social, intellectual, occupational, physical, emotional, and spiritual (Strout & Howard, 2012). Currently there is very little research indicating the effectiveness of a wellness program that addresses these dimensions. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain insight into useful topics for a wellness program based on perspectives of …

Evaluation Of Program Satisfaction, Quality Of Life, Strength, And Fall Risk Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults Participating In A Community Exercise Program, Rachel Bothun, Christine Gillespie, Zachariah Kvidt, Krista Moonnan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Exercise programs aimed at prevention of osteoporosis are effective in fall prevention and improving mobility in older adults. This trial examined whether the Bone Builder's community exercise program decreases fall risk and improves mobility in community dwelling females over the age of 60.

Methods: Fifty one females ages 60-90 who currently are participating in the Bone Builder's program volunteered to participate in four different assessments as well as two questionnaires. Tests included: the 4-stage balance, timed up and go, gait speed (measured with the GAITRite system), 30 second sit-to-stand, and grip strength. The Functional Efficacy …

Occupational Therapy Practitioners' Views On Health And Wellness Promotion Programming: A Qualitative Study, Danielle Nelson-Deering, Haley Pratt

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Explore the essence of occupational therapy (OT) practitioners’ perceptions of their experiences with health and wellness programming; to further understand the lack of this type of programming by finding out what their needs are in order to provide it.

Methods: A qualitative, phenomenological study was used to gather data to answer the research questions. Following IRB approval, convenience/snowball sampling was used to access participants and gather data. Five registered occupational therapists participated in this study.

Results: OT practitioners have positive views for health and wellness promotion; however, in order to be successful to OT practitioner must have an internal …