Faculty Advisor(s)
Karen Weis
Abstract
Occupational engagement, spirituality, and quality of life are recognized as important dimensions of aging, however, these factors remain underexplored among older adults residing within faith-based communal living environments. This doctoral capstone experience, Aging with Mercy, Thriving in Place, consisted of two distinct but complementary components: an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved mixed methods research study and a quality improvement initiative. The purpose of the research study was to explore occupational engagement, occupational role transitions, spirituality, identity, and perceived quality of life among older adults residing within a faith-based communal living environment. Quantitative data were collected using the World Health Organization Quality of Life- BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale, Non-Illness Version (FACIT-Sp-NI), while qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings demonstrated generally high perceived quality of life and spiritual well-being. Qualitative themes revealed that occupational roles evolved rather than disappeared through the aging process, with participants describing meaning in life through service, relationships, spirituality, gratitude, adaptation and continued contribution to community life. Concurrently, a quality improvement initiative was implemented to support occupational engagement, aging in place, and social participation through occupation-based group programming, individualized consultations, and educational workshops. Program outcomes demonstrated positive participant engagement, participation, and satisfaction. Collectively, findings highlight the importance of meaningful participation, spirituality, and community connection in later life while supporting the value of occupation-centered approaches that promote engagement, quality of life, and successful aging. Findings may contribute to the limited literature on aging within faith-based communities and support occupational therapy’s role in addressing spirituality, occupational identity, and meaningful participation in later life.
Publication Date
2026
Document Type
Poster
Department
Occupational Therapy
Keywords
quality of life, occupational engagement, spirituality, aging religious women, older adults
Disciplines
Community Health | Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Liturgy and Worship | Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Therapy | Other Mental and Social Health | Other Religion | Rehabilitation and Therapy | Religion | Social Justice | Women's Studies
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Katzman, Emma Layne; Weis, Karen; and Rugletic Washko, Jennifer, "Aging with Mercy, Thriving in Place" (2026). Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026. 14.
https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/otd_capstone2026/14
Included in
Community Health Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Other Religion Commons, Social Justice Commons, Women's Studies Commons