Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Kelly Dornbier

Abstract

Purpose As older adults transition to nursing facilities, their involvement in community activities diminishes, impacting their physical health, cognitive abilities, and social engagement (Lowry et al., 2012; Serrat-Graboleda et al., 2010). Evidence suggests that utilizing intergenerational programs in nursing facilities can effectively reduce social isolation, enhance quality of life for residents, and support academics and social skills in preschool students (Gustavsson, 2015; Lowry et al., 2012; Mondaca et al., 2018; Pillemer et al., 2022; Tak et al., 2015). This scholarly project aims to support successful aging and decrease social isolation in nursing facilities through the development of occupation-based psychomotor activities for an established intergenerational program.

Methodology A comprehensive literature review was completed to determine: (1) the supports and barriers to intergenerational programs, (2) the impact of social isolation in older adults, and (3) the use of psychomotor activities to promote positive health outcomes. The ecology of human performance (EHP) guided the literature review to support the development of the activity guide (Dunn, 2017). Before starting the on-site doctoral experience, a needs assessment was completed to determine the gaps in the literature and inform product development. Product development was then carried out to meet the needs of rural Minnesota's assisted living and memory care facility.

Results: Results indicate the need for intergenerational coordinators to implement psychomotor activities to enhance health outcomes, quality of life and decrease social isolation in nursing facilities. The results of this scholarly project included a 36-session psychomotor activity guide 7 to assist with activity planning and increase older adults' engagement in the intergenerational program.

Conclusion In conclusion, addressing social isolation within nursing facilities is necessary to support the health outcomes of older adults. The activity guide will supply the nursing facility with evidencebased psychomotor activities to target positive health outcomes and support successful aging.

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