Extension
It Starts With Us
Healthy Aging (FCS)
Promote Healthy Lifestyles
Diane Mason
Aging-General
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). As the largets and fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, older adults influence everything from consumer behavior to health-care costs (U.S. Census). While we may be adding more years to life, there is concern about life quality. The life expectancy of Kentuckians, 75.1 years, ranks among the bottom five states. Life expectancy is heavily influenced by life-long lifestyle behaviors and choices, including diet quality and physical activity habits. 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 Boone County Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Committee identified a significant need to provide educational opportunities to the aging population and to those serving in caregiving roles.
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 care giving knowledge and quality relationships
Improve financial knowledge and management
Improve healthy homes and communities
Improve quality of life for Kentucky’s aging families
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
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)
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
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Alzheimer's Awareness
Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky
Inputs: Curriculum of 10 Warning Signs and Understanding Alzheimer's
Date: November 2021
Audience: Adults of general public
Project or Activity: Wits Workout
Content or Curriculum: University of Illinois Extension Curriculum
Inputs: University of Illinois Curriculum
Date: August - November 2021(12 weeks) held weekly
Audience: Elder housing Residents and other-abled training workshop
Project or Activity: Bingocize
Content or Curriculum: Bingocize
Inputs: Bingocize Curriculum
Date: July - November 2021 (once or twice a week, held weekly)
Audience: Area Extension Homemakers Association Members
Project or Activity: Brain Matters workshop
Content or Curriculum: UK Extension; Florida Extension; AARP
Inputs: Curriculum; factsheets
Date: September 2021
Audience: General public; aging adults; caregivers
Project or Activity: Alzheimer's Workshop
Content or Curriculum: Various from Alzheimer's Association and dietetic association
Inputs: Cincinnati Chapter of Alzheimer's Association
Date: March 2022
Author: Diane Mason
Major Program: Aging-General
Research is proving more and more that caring for our brain health throughout life is important to help stave off challenges as we age. According to the World Federation of Neurology “Brain health is a critical piece of your overall health. It underlies your ability to communicate, make decisions, problem-solve and live a productive and useful life. Because the brain controls so much of daily function, it is arguably the single most valuable organ in the human body.” (source: https:/
Author: Diane Mason
Major Program: Aging-General
Bingocize®, an evidence-based 10-week program, combines a bingo game with exercise and health education. The goals of Bingocize® are to improve or maintain mobility and independence, teach participants to use health information focused on falls reduction, physical activity, and nutrition, and engage adults in social interaction. The long-term outcomes of this program have proven that participants have improved lower and upper body strength, improved gait, balance and range of motion, imp
