Extension
It Starts With Us
Embracing Life as We Age
Building Healthy Families
Ruth Chowning
Embracing Life as We Age (general)
Keys to Embracing Aging
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
People are living longer. Kentucky’s current population of seniors (65+) is 13.3%, a number that is expected to double in the next 40 years due to the aging Baby Boomers (post WWII babies born between 1946-1964). Approximately 25% of Kentucky’s population includes Boomers, who, in 2011, started turning 65. 12.5% of people in Bullitt County are 65 and older in 2010. 22.2 % of people are projected to be 65 by 2050.
Meanwhile, babies born in Kentucky in 2011 are projected to live to be 75 years old (3 years younger than the national average). Whether it is the graying of America or extended life expectancy, aging is a lifespan process and will redefine the expectations for retirement and aging. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the changes that accompany aging, in regard to health, independence and life quality throughout all stages of life. The overall goal of Building Healthy Families/ Embracing Life As We Age is to develop programs and work to help individuals, families and communities manage the challenges and discover the positive aspects of life transitions and growing older.
Change in social, economic, and environmental issues related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging: Decrease # of individuals with chronic disease, Increase estimated health savings, Increase care-giving knowledge and quality relationships, Improve healthy homes and communities, Improve quality of life for Kentucky’s aging families, Build strong KY families.
Change in behavior related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging: Increase communication and enhance relationships and social support, Enhance brain activity, Improve mental health, create a legacy, work as a family unit to acknowledge and embrace aging issues.
Change in awareness, knowledge, and aspirations related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging.: Life story and legacy, Age-related family issues (e.g. dementia, power of attorney, living wills, failing health, end-of-life)
Outcome: Number of participants whose knowledge about the risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease improved.
Indicator: # of verbal reports at programs
Method: educational lesson, Newsletters and Social media articles 3/year
Timeline: June 2017- July 2018
Outcome: Number of participants whose knowledge improved regarding the importance of family traditions and the connection between strong families and traditions.
Indicator: # reporting knowledge gained
Method: Pre/Post survey
Timeline: Spring 2017
Outcome: Number of participants who reported intent to downsize belongings and home content
Indicator: # self reported
Method: Post lesson survey, meetings
Timeline: July 2017- June 2018
Outcome: Number of participants who report handling conflict easier
Indicator: # self reported
Method: mailed post survey
Timeline: Spring 2018
Audience: General Population/ Homemakers/ Senior citizens
Project or Activity: Homemaker Leader lesson
Content or Curriculum: Ins and Outs of Downsizing
Inputs: UK pub, leader lesson, FCS Agent, FCS Asst
Date: Spring 2018
Project or Activity: Homemaker Leader lesson
Content or Curriculum: Dealing Creatively with Conflicts
Inputs: UK pub, leader lesson, FCS Agents, FCS Asst
Date: Spring 2018
Audience: Senior Citizens
Project or Activity: Newsletter
Curriculum: Know the 10 Signs by Alzheimer Association
Inputs: FCS Agent, FCS Assistant, UK resources
Date: July 2017
Audience: Senior Citizens, Homemakers, General Public
Project or Activity: AARP Safe Drivers Training
Inputs: FCS Agent, AARP Trainer and materials
Date: Fall 2017, Spring 2018
