Boone County CES

Title:

Healthy Aging (FCS)

MAP:

Promote Healthy Lifestyles

Agents Involved:

Diane Mason

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Embracing Life as We Age (general)

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. 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 expectancies, aging is a lifespan process. 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 goal of the Embracing Life As We Age Initiative is to develop programs and work with other FCS initiatives 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 falls

Decrease obesity

Decrease number of individuals with chronic disease

Increase physical activity

Increase estimated health savings

Increase caregiving knowledge and quality relationships

Improve financial education

Improve healthy homes and communities

Improve quality of life for Kentucky’s aging families

Intermediate Outcomes:

Change in behavior related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging.:

Change behavior to decrease risk of falling.

Increase communication and enhance relationships and social support.

Enhance brain activity

Improve mental health

Create a legacy

Increase skills to interact/work with older adults

Make healthy eating choices and follow safe food handling practices

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.:

Risk of falling

Healthy lifespan behaviors

Life story and legacy

Ageism

Empathy

Death, dying, loss and bereavement.

Healthy eating and food safety

Financial Planning

Age-related family issues (e.g. dementia, power of attorney, living wills, failing health, end-of-life)

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness of aging issues

Indicator: Post session evaluation

Method: Post session evaluation

Timeline: Immediately following program

Intermediate Outcome: Change in behavior to improve individual health or home environment for safety

Indicator: Evaluation information

Method: Mailed evaluation

Timeline: 3 to 6 month after program

Long-term Outcome: More individuals in community residing at home longer and health is improved or maintained

Indicator: Statistics

Method: Monitor statistics of aging population in county

Timeline: 4 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky

Inputs: Curriculum

Date: November 2019

Audience: Adults of general public

Project or Activity: Medicare 101

Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky and other Cooperative Extension materials

Inputs: guest speakers, other Extension agents from other counties

Date: September 2019

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Success Stories