Promoting cognitive wellness in older adults: Program development at a community-based senior center
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This capstone project highlights the role of occupational therapy in promoting meaningful participation, cognitive wellness, and sustainable programming for older adults in community-based settings. Focused on program development and evaluation within a community-based senior program, the capstone project goals were to increase active engagement, cognitive wellness, and independence amongst program participants, as well as enhance program marketability to support recruitment and grant funding. The capstone project methods involved the development of sustainable resources that support these goals- including group-based activities that target cognitive skills, implementation of adaptive equipment and strategies to promote independence, scheduling systems to establish routines for participation, and marketing tools to support safe, equitable recruitment. Outcomes were measured using staff feedback via pre- and post- surveys regarding the quality of the senior program. Overall, the project helped improve access to structured activities and resources to support program recruitment efforts, and self-directed engagement in meaningful activities that benefit cognition and general wellbeing for community-dwelling older adults.
Author: Tinnin, Morémi
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7161095637