The population of adults aged 65 and older in the United States continues to grow, with rural areas containing a disproportionately high number of older residents. Individuals aging in rural communities face elevated risks for falls, limited access to services, loneliness, social isolation, and other psychosocial challenges that can negatively affect physical and cognitive health, increase stress, and contribute to depression and reduced quality of life. This capstone project examined the feasibility and perceived benefit of the Social Participation and Reconnecting Kit (SPARK), an OT-oriented toolkit designed to promote meaningful social engagement and reduce loneliness among community-dwelling older adults in a rural county.
