Vermonters age 50 and older participated in Stay Active, Stay Healthy! A Wellness Check-Up for Adults at the UVM Osher Center for Integrative Health this spring, where University of Vermont Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students provided free wellness screenings focused on healthy aging and fall prevention.
Led by faculty member Karen Westervelt, DPT students transformed the Osher Center into a pop-up health clinic featuring 10 screening stations adapted from the American Physical Therapy Association’s Annual Check-Up for Older Adults. Participants received assessments of vital signs, upper and lower body strength, cardiovascular fitness, balance, mobility, and fall risk.
Using tools such as hand-grip dynamometers and the 30-second sit-to-stand test, students collected health and functional performance data and compared results with age-based norms. The screenings helped participants better understand their current physical health, identify potential risk factors, and learn strategies to maintain their independence and well-being.
The event was a collaboration among the UVM Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, the UVM Osher Center for Integrative Health, and the UVM Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). The program emphasizes health promotion and prevention rather than disease management, encouraging older adults to address concerns early and take proactive steps to maintain strength, mobility, and quality of life.
Now in its fourth year, Stay Active, Stay Healthy! has served more than 120 older Vermonters. Many participants return annually.
The event also provided a valuable experiential learning opportunity for students enrolled in DPT 7040: Health Promotion. Through direct interactions with community members, students gained hands-on experience in preventive care, health education, leadership, and communication while applying classroom concepts in a real-world setting.