Title: Supports and Barriers to Social Participation in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Current Engagement and Strategies to Increase Participation
Date: 2025-08-19
Author/Creator: Matthews, Megan E.
Abstract: When community dwelling older adults (CODA) are socially active, they report better physical, mental, and cognitive health. Occupational therapists (OTs) have a unique role in facilitating social participation in this population by working against their barriers and encouraging their supports. This project aimed to determine the unique barriers & supports CODA have to social participation and use these findings to provide evidence-based recommendations to staff for increasing engagement. 30 participants were recruited by verbal and written means. An in-depth research review was conducted to establish background knowledge on supports, barriers, and interventions to social participation among CODA. Interest checklists and semi-structured interviews were then conducted with each participant to explore their unique preferences and experiences. Qualitative thematic analysis and a presentation on findings and recommendations followed. Analysis of the interest checklist revealed participant top interest categories as special events and engaging the mind. Participant highest-ranked activities were restaurant outings, themed dinners, show & tell with a meaningful item from your apartment. Semi-structured interview analysis of barriers led to the generation of 13 themes placed within four clusters. Analysis of supports led to the generation of 16 themes placed within seven clusters. Five strategies for new activities and four strategies added to existing activities were recommended to Episcopal Homes. These strategies can be used by professionals in any setting that serves CODA. This project shows that CODA value meaning and connection, just like any other population. They are capable of many things.
Advisor: Patrice Washington-Goines, OTD, OTR/L,CHT
Department/School: Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy
Degree Name: Doctor of Occupational Therapy
