A Qualitative Examination of the Role of Occupational Therapy in Adressing Health Disparities in Older Adults through Community Programming at Fit Lot
Description
ntroduction: Underserved communities with limited access to resources such as quality health care, exercise programs, and outdoor community spaces face health disparities and lower life expectancy. Older adults make up a large portion of these vulnerable populations.
Purpose: We explored the benefits of an 8-week wellness program for older adults in the Greater New Orleans area. The program, which consists of 60-minute classes one day a week, combines mental health wellness activities with aerobic and strength-based exercise, and is structured to take place at FitLot outdoor fitness parks.
Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with five community-based occupational therapists to determine the validity and value of each of the eight chosen wellness topics: the importance of aerobic exercise, sleep hygiene, mindfulness/meditation, energy conservation, gratitude, stress management, healthy eating, and fall prevention. Each participant provided advice and guidance for each topic. Interviews were analyzed using line-by-line coding thematic analysis and six major themes emerged: creating buy-in, evidence-based practice, structuring the program, knowing your audience, education, and tying it back to function.
Results: Participants unanimously agreed that all wellness topics were rooted in occupational therapy core values and appropriate for a community-based wellness program for older adults, and that this program fills a need for this population.
Discussion: These results suggest the need for development and implementation of this program to examine measurable benefits to older adults. These next steps enhance the field of occupational therapy by expanding the scope of practice for community impact.
A Qualitative Examination of the Role of Occupational Therapy in Adressing Health Disparities in Older Adults through Community Programming at Fit Lot
LSU Health Science Center - New Orleans
ntroduction: Underserved communities with limited access to resources such as quality health care, exercise programs, and outdoor community spaces face health disparities and lower life expectancy. Older adults make up a large portion of these vulnerable populations.
Purpose: We explored the benefits of an 8-week wellness program for older adults in the Greater New Orleans area. The program, which consists of 60-minute classes one day a week, combines mental health wellness activities with aerobic and strength-based exercise, and is structured to take place at FitLot outdoor fitness parks.
Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with five community-based occupational therapists to determine the validity and value of each of the eight chosen wellness topics: the importance of aerobic exercise, sleep hygiene, mindfulness/meditation, energy conservation, gratitude, stress management, healthy eating, and fall prevention. Each participant provided advice and guidance for each topic. Interviews were analyzed using line-by-line coding thematic analysis and six major themes emerged: creating buy-in, evidence-based practice, structuring the program, knowing your audience, education, and tying it back to function.
Results: Participants unanimously agreed that all wellness topics were rooted in occupational therapy core values and appropriate for a community-based wellness program for older adults, and that this program fills a need for this population.
Discussion: These results suggest the need for development and implementation of this program to examine measurable benefits to older adults. These next steps enhance the field of occupational therapy by expanding the scope of practice for community impact.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2024/2024/40