McLean County CES

Title:

Embracing Life as We Age

MAP:

Successful Independent Living for an Aging Population

Agents Involved:

Amanda Dame

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Change in social, economic, and environmental issues related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging.:

•Decrease falls

•Decrease obesity

•Decrease # 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

•Build strong KY McLean County

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:

Outcome: Long-term

Indicator: An increase in change related to social, economic and environment issues related to healthy aging, independent aging, and quality aging.

Method: County statics, surveys, and personal interviews

Timeline: 3-4 years

Outcome: Intermediate

Indicator: An increase in behavior related to healthy aging, independent living, and quality of life.

Method: Follow up evaluations, surveys, personal observation and interviews.

Timeline: 6 months to one year

Outcome: Initial

Indicator: An increase in awareness, knowledge, and aspirations related to healthy aging, independent living, and quality of life.

Method: Surveys, testimonials, observation, focus groups, and discussions

Timeline: 3 to 6 weeks

Learning Opportunities:

Auidence: McLean County Residents and McLean County Homemakers 

Project or Activity: Embracing Life as We Age

Inputs: FCS agents, UK publications, eXtension, UK specialist, KEHA

Date: January 2020