University Research Conference 2020 | Page 15

GRADUATE POSTER PRESENTATIONS Occupational Therapy Brittany Bell, OTS, Alexander Castro, OTS, Ruslana Nurmatova, OTS, Elvida Orelhomme, OTS, Alisha Sharma, OTS A Better Tomorrow The number of individuals living with dementia has continued to rise. The study consisted of six modules, which served to improve engagement in meaningful activities of older adults. Although the findings from the study did not show statistically significant increases in engagement in meaningful activities as measured by the quantitative measure, EMAS, several participants reported that the program was a valuable experience in the qualitative analyses. Julianna Tatum, OTS, Kerry Goldstein, OTS, Patrick Kraenbring, OTS, Brittany Wilman, OTS A Program to Promote Quality of Life Among Older Adults Age-related changes such as decline in cognitive abilities may impact the aging population in maintaining functional independence. The purpose of this study was to determine if older adults who attended the Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County (Montco SAAC) will have an improvement in their quality of life. Although statistically significant findings were not found on the WHOQOL-BREF post-test, mean score changes were evident in all four domains measured by this quality of life assessment. Kerry Cella, OTS, Jenna LaPlaca, OTS, Kacie Reuther, OTS Sole Sisters The purpose of this study is to contribute to literature supporting the relationship between walking programs, reduction of stress levels, and self-efficacy related to exercise among participants living in low-income communities. The findings of this study did not show statistically significant differences for participants’ levels of stress, but marginal statistically significant differences were found for participants’ self- efficacy for exercise, after the conclusion of the six-week walking program. However, several participants reported satisfaction with the walking program in their wellness journals. 13