Extension
It Starts With Us
Aging with Knowledge & Grace
Embracing Life As We Age
Debbie Shepherd
Embracing Life as We Age (general)
Know the 10 Signs
Keys to Embracing Aging
Traditions
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 is to help individuals, families and communities manage the challenges and discover the positive aspects of life transitions and growing older.
Number of participants who demonstrate healthy lifestyles and behaviors (including enhanced positive attitude, smart and healthy eating, physical activity, mental activity, social activity, tuning-in to the times, safety, health numbers, stress management, financial management sleep, and taking personal time).
Number of participants who feel confident in managing their current situation (such as talking about what is happening, calling a health care professional, following up with resources).
Number of participants who created a new family tradition in the months following the program .
Number of participants reporting behavior changes related to healthy, independent or quality aging: such as decrease the 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; or engage a family unit to acknowledge and embrace aging issues.
Number of participants who reported intent to maintain a family tradition or create a new one.
Number of participants reporting improved life style behavior skills (such as enhanced positive attitude, smart and healthy eating, physical activity, mental activity, social activity, tuning-in to the times, safety, health numbers, stress management, financial management sleep, and taking personal time).
Number of participants who practice healthy behavior (such as physical activity, healthy diet, stress management, sleep, mental exercise, meaningful social engagement).
Number of participants reporting improved knowledge, opinions, skills or aspirations regarding healthy aging, independent aging, and quality aging.
Number of participants reporting improved knowledge regarding life span behavior and decisions that affect health and well-being (such as enhanced knowledge of: positive attitude, smart and healthy eating, physical activity, mental activity, social activity, tuning-in to the times, safety, health numbers, stress management, financial management sleep, and taking personal time)
Number of participants whose knowledge improved regarding characteristics of strong families.
Number of participants whose knowledge improved regarding the importance of family traditions.
Number of participants who’s knowledge improved regarding a connection between strong families and traditions.
Number of participants whose knowledge about the risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease improved.
Number of participants whose knowledge increased regarding the benefits of early diagnosis.
Number of participants whose knowledge increased regarding what to do if they notice some of the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
Initial Outcome: Participants gain in knowledge related to aging
Indicator: Participants report improved knowledge base related to aging
Method: Pre & Post Evaluations
Timeline: Spring 2017 - 2018
Intermediate Outcome: Participants have healthy positive behavior and attitude changes related to aging.
Indicator: Participants report healthy positive behavior and attitude changes related to aging.
Method: Follow-up Surveys
Timeline: 2018-2019
Long-term Outcome: Participants are able to manage healthy positive aging
Indicator: Participants demonstrate and report ability to manage healthy positive aging.
Method: Follow-up Surveys
Timeline: 2019-2020
Audience: Community members, leadership, families, elderly
Project or Activity: Program Series
Content or Curriculum: 12 Keys To Aging
Inputs: U.K & Kansas State University, Community Agencies; Adult Day, Senior Citizens, Health Care, Leadership
Date: Spring 2017-2018
Audience: Community members, leadership, families, elderly
Project or Activity: Program Series
Content or Curriculum: Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s
Inputs: Community Agencies; Adult Day, Senior Citizens, Health Care, Leadership
Date: Fall 2017 - Spring 2018
Audience: Community members, leadership, families, elderly
Project or Activity: Program Series
Content or Curriculum: Traditions
Inputs: Community Agencies; Adult Day, Senior Citizens, Health Care, Leadership
Date: all year
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Keys to Embracing Aging
Keys to Embracing Aging Brain Program 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).Casey County presented Keys to Embracing Aging:
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Keys to Embracing Aging
Keys to Embracing Aging Social Activity Program Engaging and maintaining meaningful social activities and relationships throughout the lifespan is vital to overall to health and well-being. Engaged people are often healthier, happier, less depressed and demonstrate enhanced brain vitality (NIA, 2009; Alzheimer’s Association, 2011; Park, 2009). They also contribute to stronger families and communities.Casey County presented Keys to Embracing Aging: Social Activity. 6 participants comp
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Keys to Embracing Aging
Keys to Embracing Aging: Taking Time for YouThe American Heart Association (2011) recommends that each person make a conscious decision to do at least one personally enjoyable thing every day. “Taking time for you” is good for a person’s mind, body and soul. Even as few as 10 minutes a day can enhance health, overall well-being and optimal aging throughout the lifespan.Casey County presented Keys to Embracing Aging: Taking Time for You. 7 participants completed post l
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Keys to Embracing Aging
Keys to Embracing Aging: SleepSleep helps a person concentrate, make decisions and fully engage in school, work and social activities. Not getting enough sleep or ignoring sleep problems and disorders can lead to poor health, accidents, impaired job performance and relationship stress. Sleep is a necessity for feeling good, staying healthy and maximizing performance. Sleep is also associated with optimal aging throughout the lifespan.Casey County presented Keys to Embracing Aging: Sleep.&nb
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Keys to Embracing Aging
Keys to Embracing Aging: Financial ManagementIt is important to know some basic financial management and planning. A financial plan, which includes short and long-term goals, will help a person see the big picture so that they can plan more easily and map out a financial future. In addition to helping a person stay on track, financial plans also make it easier to make financial decisions, such as making large purchases without adding financial stress to a budget, helping protect a household
