University
Shawnee State University
Major
Master of Occupational Therapy
Student Type
Graduate Student
Presentation Types
Poster Group Presentation (Live)
Keywords:
women, older adult, aging in place, occupations
Abstract
This exploratory case study sought to investigate the social connections of older adult women aging in place in diverse environments and the implications for occupational therapy practice. This study used semi-structured interviews of three women aged 65 to 74 to explore perceived social connection experiences. Participants lived in one of three environments: downsized living, the independent area of a continuing care retirement community or the home in which participants lived most of adult life. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed five themes: independence, social connection, health, activities and community engagement. When providing services for this population, implications for occupational therapy practice may include focus on the occupations of social participation, leisure, health management and instrumental activities of daily living.
Human and Animal Subjects
yes
IRB or IACUC Approval
yes
Faculty Mentor Name
Ann Marie Allen
Faculty Mentor Department
Rehabilitation Therapies
Recommended Citation
Allen, Ann Marie; Ryan, Grace E.; Jenkins, Shelby L.; Branson, Andrew T.; and Aiken, Makayla R., "An Exploratory Case Study of Social Connections of Older Adult Women Aging in Place" (2025). Celebration of Scholarship. 6.
https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/cos/2025/posters/6
Location
Morris UC Lobby
An Exploratory Case Study of Social Connections of Older Adult Women Aging in Place
Morris UC Lobby
This exploratory case study sought to investigate the social connections of older adult women aging in place in diverse environments and the implications for occupational therapy practice. This study used semi-structured interviews of three women aged 65 to 74 to explore perceived social connection experiences. Participants lived in one of three environments: downsized living, the independent area of a continuing care retirement community or the home in which participants lived most of adult life. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed five themes: independence, social connection, health, activities and community engagement. When providing services for this population, implications for occupational therapy practice may include focus on the occupations of social participation, leisure, health management and instrumental activities of daily living.
