Healthy Aging (FCS)Plan of Work

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Boone County CES

Title:
Healthy Aging (FCS)
MAP:
Promote Healthy Lifestyles
Agents Involved:
Diane Mason, Liz Evans
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Aging-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). 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.

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 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

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:Osteoporosis and Bone Health Awareness

Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky; US Bone and Joint Initiative

Inputs: Guest speakers, activities to raise awareness of bone health

Date: November 2022


Audience: Adults of general public

Project or Activity: Wits Workout

Content or Curriculum: University of Illinois Extension Curriculum

Inputs: University of Illinois Curriculum; Library location

Date: March - May 2023; October-November 2022


Audience: Adults of the general public

Project or Activity: Aging with Your Pet

Content or Curriculum: UK extension, AVMA

Inputs: handouts

Date: March 2023



Success Stories

DEMENTIA SYMPOSIUM AIDS AREA RESIDENTS WITH UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Author: Diane Mason

Major Program: Aging-General

One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Alzheimer’s disease was officially listed as the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States in 2021 (behind COVID-19).  It remains the fifth-leading cause of death among individuals age 65 and older.  (Alzheimer’s Association). As a result of these statistics, and guidance from the Boone County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Committee, a day-long workshop focused on dementia

Full Story

Colonial Gardens Retirement Community

Author: Robert Brockman

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

The problemDuring the Covid-19 pandemic, many retirement communities were shut off from the outside world to protect their susceptible communities. While this seclusion was important during the periods of high transmission and outbreaks, it is also difficult for the retirees who no longer have the social interactions they may need. This seclusion has continued into 2023, where many retirement communities do not have outside groups working with them. The educational program responseThe North

Full Story
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