Aim: Participation in social, leisure, and instrumental activities is associated with better physical and mental health in later life; however, unlike other older adults, grandparents raising grandchildren may replace previously enjoyed activities with child-rearing responsibilities. In light of poor health status among custodial grandparents, this paper focuses on the way raising a child influences grandparent engagement in occupation and perceptions of health and well-being. Methods: Ten grandparents age 60 and older responded to the SF-36v2 Health Survey, Activity Card Sort, demographic questionnaire, and interview. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics and comparison to national norms, and a descriptive qualitative method of coding was followed to identify themes. Results: Grandfathers retained an appreciably higher level of activity involvement than grandmothers; most notably for social activities. Four grandmothers identified that raising a grandchild had a negative impact on their physical and emotional well-being. Conclusion: Occupational therapists can support grandparents' re-establishment of leisure, social, and more demanding physical activity to avert functional decline.

Principles of grounded theory guided a qualitative analysis of the occupational nature of late-life parenting among four grand-or great-grandmothers raising grandchildren and four typical age mothers. Semi-structured interview and video of in-home childcare routines furnished data relevant to understand how custodial grandmothers re-engage in the parental role after age 60 despite contextual barriers and age-related limitations. When presented with the situation to care, grandmothers activate prior role competencies and enfold the child into existing routines with only subtle contextual adaptations. Findings conceptualize the strength of prior experience as grandmothers make wise use of routine to meet the physical demands and energy challenges posed by late-life parenting.

Nursing home residents nationwide are at nutritional risk as the result of physical, social and environmental factors. The Dining with Dignity program integrates long-term care residents, staff, community volunteers and occupational therapy students to improve residents' nutritional intake. Volunteers are trained to provide one-on-one assistance during meals and to promote a positive dining experience as organized by the theory of Social Support. Resident satisfaction with meals and improved nutritional status are important outcomes as is volunteer commitment to the program.

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This article documents a service-learning project to enhance older adults' safe and independent performance of daily occupations in the home environment while enriching the learning of occupational therapy students. Thirteen rural individuals aged 65 to 89 years participated in the project whereby students identified occupational performance issues, modified occupations and context, and advocated for change to promote safety and independence. The model merits consideration as a replicable service-learning project for other disciplines in higher education to strengthen community relationships, enhance student learning, and support aging in place.