Extension
It Starts With Us
Improving Life for Aging Citizens and Families
Embracing Life as we age
Mary Beth Riley
Embracing Life as We Age (general)
Keys to Embracing Aging
Stand Up to Falling
People are living longer. Kentucky's current population of seniors (65+) is 14.0%% with Muhlenberg County's number at 17.2% being 65 or older. 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.
Change in social, economic, and environmental issues related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging:
* decrease falls
* decrease number of individuals with chronic disease
* increase caregiving knowledge and quality relationships
* improve quality of life for our citizens
Change in behavior related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging:
*change behavior to decrease risk of falling
*increase communications and enhance relationships and social support
*improve mental health
*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 eating and food safety
*healthy lifespan behaviors
Long-Term Outcome: Decrease in falls and injury and living a healthier lifestyle
Indicator: Improvement in county statistics
Method: Education classes and evaluations
Timeline: Fall and Spring of 2017-2020
Intermediate Outcome: Collaborate with community on program about aging
Indicator: Number of collaborations in the community and number of contacts
Method: Classes and programs at other locations with different organizations
Timeline: Fall 2017 and Spring 2018
Initial Outcome: Awareness of healthy aging
Indicator: Attendance of workshops and trainings and number of direct contacts
Method: Evaluation of Meetings
Timeline: 2017-2020
Audience: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Project or Activity: KEHA Lesson
Content or Curriculum: CES Publications and Programs
Inputs: FCS Agent & Homemakers
Date: Fall 2017 or Spring 2018
Audience: Senior Citizen Center
Project or Activity: Stand Up to Falling and Weight the Reality Series
Content or Curriculum: CES publications and programs
Inputs: FCS Agent & Volunteers
Date: 2017-2020
Audience: Local Church Organization
Project or Activity: Keys to Embracing Aging
Content or Curriculum: CES publications and Program material
Inputs: FCS Agent & Specialist
Date: Fall 2017-2018
Audience: Rehab Centers
Project or Activity: Stand Up to Falling, training for caregivers
Content or Curriculum: Program material and CES publications
Inputs: FCS Agent and specialist
Date: Fall 2017
Author: Mary Beth Riley
Major Program: Keys to Embracing Aging
Keys to Embracing Aging Brain Program Success Story A healthy brain is crucial to survival, growth and everyday successes (Smith, 2010). Similar to the rest of the body, the brain needs exercise and maintenance in order to optimize and protect its current and future health. In particular, the brain needs socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, nutrition and sleep (AARP/Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, 2009; Alzheimer’s Association, 2011). Muhlenberg County pres
