First-Ever Wellness Expo Serves Physical Therapy Needs in Waco Community

On October 19, 2024, Baylor University’s Department of Physical Therapy celebrated both National Physical Therapy Month and Physical Therapy Day of Service by giving back to the Waco, Texas, community. The Department partnered with a local nonprofit, Better at Last, to host its first Wellness Expo to serve the local 55+ community. 

More than 60 Wacoans—from all walks of life, but each at least 55 years old—attended the Wellness Expo. Many said they felt it was a safe space to hold open dialogue about aging necessities with Baylor’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Class of 2025 students. 

While the 55+ population often faces unique health challenges, it can become an underserved or forgotten community. Better at Last, founded by Baylor Physical Therapy Adjunct Professor Teresa Gingles, PT, DPT, has been working to change this and was proud to co-host the local event with Baylor. In addition to DPT Class of 2025 and the nonprofit, 14 community-based volunteers, composed of Baylor undergraduate students and individuals from Waco, provided support during the Wellness Expo.

Through intentionally designed stations—ranging from educational to physical activity—DPT students aimed to empower participants to actively engage in their own health and to live an ongoing active lifestyle. The Wellness Expo provided resources and strategies, personally tailored to address needs in areas like balance, flexibility, functional mobility, nutrition, power, strength, and sleep. 

The new Wellness Expo was impactful to both participants and Baylor DPT students. Here are some reflections about what the event meant to a few of our students:

“There are so many stereotypes and misconceptions out there about aging and what it looks like to be ‘old.’ We tailored the Wellness Expo towards the 55+ population to hopefully redefine what the aging process can look like. I hope that by breaking through some of the false beliefs this population tends to hold, we were able to facilitate optimal aging for all. Older adults are fully capable of being strong and powerful!” — Bethany Bradshaw

“It was such a special experience to be able to see individuals, who came in a little apprehensive and reluctant toward a station, step out of their comfort zones and embrace their physical capabilities. Many may say that we positively impacted the patients who attended the Wellness Expo, but I will honestly say they impacted me more. I cannot count how many of them told us ‘thank you’ or that they were proud of us for our ambition and dedication towards such an extensive career. For a complete stranger to tell you they are proud of you is such a blessing and a testimony to how impactful this career can be to both parties that are involved.” — Memory Bolden

“The aging community can be an underserved group when it comes to overall health care outside of regular doctor visits—if the people have access to health care—and the general decline in health of this population can be reversed by simple changes in lifestyles. We hope to impart these simple changes to overcome the stigma of becoming weaker as we age, because that does not have to be true.” — Leigh Jacobson

“Not only did we promote individual health and wellness, but we ended up facilitating strong collaboration amongst participants. This was a particularly special part of this event. Also, seeing the participants laughing, smiling, and enjoying their time at the event was encouraging. We were able to cultivate a positive experience to help this population associate health and wellness with both fun and enjoyment.” — JJ Bagans 

“With all the vital information we got to share, my favorite part of the event was getting to connect with the participants and hear what areas of health and wellness they were interested in improving. Events like this truly point out the importance of listening, as the person in front of you will tell you exactly what they need.” — Abby Herring

“My favorite part of the event was seeing the participants engage and ask questions about their health. It was rewarding to interact with them, share information, and witness their enthusiasm for learning. The sense of community and support among attendees made the experience truly special.” — Efrat Marom