Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Sclinda Janssen

Abstract

Introduction: Healthy aging is a complex and multidimensional process influenced by physical, cognitive, psychosocial, environmental, and lifestyle factors across the lifespan. Increasing evidence from researchers suggests that many health care systems continue to rely on reactive models that address decline only after functional limitations emerge. Preventive interventions initiated in midlife have the potential to significantly influence long-term health outcomes, independence, well-being, and quality of life. As a result, there is growing recognition that multidimensional, proactive screening and intervention should begin earlier, before age-related conditions become clinically significant.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to address this need through creation of a holistic, multidimensional toolkit, designed to support early identification of strengths, emerging risks, and opportunities for proactive intervention among community-dwelling adults aged 50–65.

Methodology: This scholarly product included five steps of product development. These steps included a (1) literature review, (2) follow up needs assessment, (3) literary comparison, (4) product creation, and (5) product implementation. Law et al.’s (1996) person-environment- occupation model was utilized to support and guide product development. Age Friendly Health Care System’s 4M’s (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, n.d.) and the Reframing Aging Initiative (Reframing Aging Initiative, n.d.) served as guiding frameworks.

Results: The result of this scholarly project is a product called the Vital 8 Toolkit: A Holistic, Multidimensional Approach to Aging Well. The Vital 8 Toolkit provides occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) with a structured framework and resources to assist with identifying early changes across eight core domains to support proactive health promotion and prevention across the aging continuum.

Conclusion: This scholarly project was completed to address the need for multidimensional, proactive assessment and intervention to support early identification of risks among aging adults. The Vital 8 Toolkit offers occupational therapy practitioners an accessible, model-driven and evidence-based approach to guide preventative care and promote healthy aging. Implementation of the toolkit has the potential to meaningfully strengthen quality of life, foster independence, and contribute to sustained well-being for older adults.

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