Award Date

5-15-2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Department

Brain Health

First Committee Member

Sharon Jalene

Number of Pages

76

Abstract

Introduction: This capstone project involved the development and implementation of a community-based program for the exploration of leisure occupations for older adults. The program aimed to increase the life satisfaction and occupational balance of participants. A manualized program was created for the capstone site for potential continuation of the program.

Methods: The program was developed with the support of evidence-based research and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4). Two-hour events were held once a week for four weeks in a community area of the senior living community. A modified version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was administered prior to and after the cessation of the program to investigate efficacy.

Results: Data analysis supported the perceived benefits of the program, indicating improvements in occupational balance and life satisfaction. Informal interviews showed that participants incorporated leisure into their personal routines and continued their leisure engagement after the program's cessation.

Discussion: Barriers that older adults face in their pursuit of leisure engagement involve a lack of transportation, limited financial resources, and a lack of knowledge of local organizations and communities. The capstone program, which was located in a senior residential community, was easily accessible to participants and provided free materials to encourage full participation and engagement. Females tended to show higher interest in leisure-based activities and social events.

Conclusion: Participants reported increased leisure engagement outside of the program as well as increased occupational balance and life satisfaction.

Keywords

leisure; life satisfaction; occupational balance; occupational therapy; older adults; program

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy

File Format

PDF

File Size

5100 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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