Date of Award

4-2023

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Kenneth Dettloff

Second Advisor

Sharon Hambley

Third Advisor

Holly Grieves

Abstract

The purpose of this Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) was to see if regular participation in an exercise program could promote positive changes in social engagement and overall quality of life for older adults residing in an independent or assisted living facility. A standardized assessment and interview were completed with each participating resident before and after a 6-week exercise program to assess any changes in social engagement and quality of life. As a result, recruitment for this study and overall resident participation increased by advertising new and existing exercise classes throughout the senior living facility. In addition to the already scheduled exercise classes, a program titled Ageless Graceâ was offered. Ageless Graceâ is a seated exercise program designed to exercise both the brain and the body in a fun, upbeat manner set to music. Participants at baseline reported high quality of life and social engagement, which made the quantitative data statistically insignificant. However, physical changes were observed in the participants by the student investigator.

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