Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2025Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025
Tasty Tuesday
Author: Britney Poe
Major Program: Aging-General

At the Robertson County Health Care Facility, a vibrant transformation has taken place through the Tasty Tuesday Extension Program. Designed to invigorate the senses and provide a hands-on culinary experience, Tasty Tuesday has become a beloved tradition that enriches the lives of residents.Tasty Tuesday, a monthly event which allows residents to engage in the cooking process, stimulating their senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. The program was launched with the intention of not on
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Brain health and the WITS program
Author: Christy Eastwood
Major Program: Aging-General
Aging is a natural part of life; however, it can be difficult for older adults to cope with the changes happening in their body, both physically and mentally. Research shows that many activities can help improve brain health in seniors. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that seniors who regularly participated in mentally stimulating activities had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. The Carroll County Extension Service offered a five-week session of WITS
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Stand Up To Falling
Author: Jordan Crain
Major Program: Aging-General
Barren County presented Stand Up to Falling to 19 participants. It is proven that people of all ages are at risk of falling for many different reasons. Because of this, the program was marketed to adults of all ages. After the program, 100% increased their knowledge to reduce the risk of falling; and 100% increased their knowledge regarding how to safely get up from a fall. 97% expressed aspirations to reduce fall risk and make a positive behavioral change toward healthy, independent, and qualit
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Bingocize Woodford County Senior Center 6 Month Evaluation
Author: Hannah Thornsberry
Major Program: Aging-General
Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging. He created the socially engaging group-based game that combines health education and exercise in the format of BINGO. Dr. Crandall and his research team have tested the program and demonstrated that older adults who play two times a week for 10-weeks significantly reduce the fear of falling, increase levels of physical activity, and decrease feelings of social iso
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Senior Cooking School
Author: Laken Campbell
Major Program: Aging-General

Describe the Issue or Situation.Many seniors face challenges in cooking for themselves due to physical limitations, lack of confidence with kitchen tools, and difficulties in meal planning and portion control. These barriers can lead to poor nutrition, reduced independence, and an increased reliance on convenience foods.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).To address these issues, a two-day Senior Cooking School was developed with the support of KRA
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Brain Health Lunch and Learn
Author: Judy Vaughn
Major Program: Aging-General
Alzheimer's and dementia disease affects people from all walks of life. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million people in America are living with Alzheimer’s. Kentucky’s data from Alzheimer’s Association is shown below:81,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Kentucky.11.2% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline.157,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Kentucky.302 mil
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Wits Workout
Author: Chelsea Workman
Major Program: Aging-General
Brain Health plays a vital role in our daily lives and overall health. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis in Kentucky. According to the Alzheimer’s Association 11.2% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline in Kentucky.The University of Illinois Extension developed Wits Workout Curriculum based on brain health and aging research. FCS Agents across Kentucky were trained in the curriculu
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Wits Workout & Brain Health
Author: Christy Stearns
Major Program: Aging-General
Describe the Issue or Situation.Coping with the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of aging can certainly be stressful. Research clearly notes that positive mental health for older adults can be enhanced through intellectual engagement and socialization. Furthermore, one area of significant ranking from Clinton County’s 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment was more senior citizen support programs.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applic
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Wits Workout brings a diverse group of participants together creating new friendships
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: Aging-General
About 11% of the U.S. older adult population is at risk for or suffers from subjective cognitive decline. Intellectual challenge and social interaction are important for brain health (University of Illinois Extension).Wits Workout, developed by the University of Illinois Extension is a holistic, multi-modal workshop series that offers adults ages 50 and older facilitated, interactive dialogue and activities about behaviors that promote brain health. A 6-week series of Wits Workout was offer
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Healthy Habits with Senior Citizens
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Aging-General
At the Shelby County Senior Citizens Center, many older adults were facing health challenges linked to poor nutrition, limited physical activity, and a lack of knowledge about how to make healthier choices. With chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity on the rise, there was a growing need for educational programming to equip seniors with the tools and knowledge they needed to improve their health. Many participants were also struggling with understanding food labels and of
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Wits Workout
Author: Teresa Garcia
Major Program: Aging-General
According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis in Kentucky. The impact of Alzheimer’s is projected to rise, and the most recent data shows the following:81,000 people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in Kentucky.11.2% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline.157,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Kentucky.302 million hours of unpaid care provided by Alzheimer&rs
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Wits Workout Bring Older Adults Together
Author: Lynnette Allen
Major Program: Aging-General
According to the Alzheimer's Association, as of 2023, an estimated 55 million people worldwide have dementia. The prevalence of dementia increases with age, affecting about 4% of adults aged 65-74 and up to 13% of those aged 85 and older. To help address this health concern, the University of Illinois Extension program Wits Workout was brought to Kentucky. In the spring of 2024, Wits Workout was introduced in Breckinridge County. Wits Workout is a multimodal workshop series
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Exercise for Your Body and Brian
Author: Kate Thompson
Major Program: Aging-General
In Campbell County, Kentucky, approximately 1,600 individuals aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease, representing about 10.1% of the county's senior population. Statewide, around 80,500 seniors are affected by Alzheimer’s. Both physical and mental exercise play a significant role in the prevention and management of Alzheimer’s disease. To address this disease, the Campbell County Extension Service taught Exercise for Your Body and Brain to twenty i
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Bingocize
Author: Lora Davidson
Major Program: Aging-General
Many older adults in our community face challenges related to decreased physical mobility, social isolation, and an increased risk of falls. These issues not only impact their health and independence but also contribute to a diminished quality of life. Many are hesitant to participate in traditional exercise programs due to physical limitations or lack of motivation, leading to further inactivity and isolation.To address these concerns, our agency implemented the Bingocize® program—an
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Wits Workout
Author: Asa Conkwright
Major Program: Aging-General
Wits Workout is a peer-reviewed, pilot-tested, brain health resource tool developed to assist leaders who provide programming to older adults in community settings. It was developed by Extension colleagues, Chelsey Byers and Molly Hofer from the University of Illinois. Wits Workout has two main goals; to provide purposeful opportunities for older adults to engage intellectually, and to increase their socialization through ongoing group participation.The 264-page facilitator’s guide consist
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