Embracing Life as We AgePlan of Work

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Bullitt County CES

Title:
Embracing Life as We Age
MAP:
Building Healthy Families
Agents Involved:
Ruth Chowning
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Embracing Life as We Age (general)
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Keys to Embracing Aging
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Situation:
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.
Long-Term Outcomes:
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.
Intermediate Outcomes:
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.
Initial Outcomes:
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)
Evaluation:

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

Learning Opportunities:

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



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