Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Andrea Young

Abstract

Background: Wellness is a process where an individual intentionally makes choices to support a satisfying lifestyle and is aware of their choices (Swarbrick & Yudof, 2015). In the United States, unhealthy lifestyle choices and the high prevalence of chronic conditions negatively influence one’s health, wellness, and quality of life (Li et al., 2018). Additionally, age-related changes can negatively influence one’s overall well-being. Examples of age-related changes may include changes in strength, mobility, coordination, balance, gait, and cognitive functioning (Bello-Haas et al., 2018a; Bello-Haas et al., 2018b; Judge & Dawson, 2018). Occupational therapy's role in health promotion and prevention includes promoting engagement in occupation and healthy lifestyles through health promotion strategies and occupation-based interventions (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020b).

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a group protocol and wellness program to enhance the wellness, well-being, and knowledge of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness (Swarbrick & Yudof, 2015) for community-dwelling adults 55 and older.

Methods: This project began with a literature review that focused on community-based occupational therapy health and wellness promotion topics including current evidence-based practice guidelines in health and wellness promotion and occupational therapy’s role in this area of practice. The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, and the Geragogy learning theory were used to guide the development of the group protocol (Bastable et al., 2020; Kielhofner & Burke, 1980; Swarbrick & Yudof, 2015).

Results: The program includes two activities and an educational handout with action steps one can take to improve one's wellness for each dimension of wellness. Each of the selected activities are meaningful, occupation-based, and evidence-based. A three-part evaluation process was also developed. The full product has not been implemented yet; however, the program is anticipated to enhance wellness and knowledge of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness (Swarbrick & Yudof, 2015).

Conclusion: This multi-dimensional wellness program provides education and occupation-based activities for the Eight Dimensions of Wellness (Swarbrick & Yudof, 2015). Additionally, group members will gain knowledge and opportunities to enhance skills in each dimension of wellness to enhance their overall well-being.

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