Henry County CES

Title:

Quality Aging in Henry County

MAP:

Embracing Life as We Age

Agents Involved:

Krista Perry

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). 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 of the Embracing Life As We Age Initiative is to develop programs and work with other FCS initiatives to help individuals, families and communities manage the challenges and discover the positive aspects of life transitions and growing older.

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

Intermediate Outcomes:

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 acknowlege and embrace aging issues

Initial Outcomes:

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:Awareness of Alzheimer's Disease

Indicator: A change in knowledge/skills related to Virtual Dementia

Method: Written Evaluation

Timeline:After programming

Intermediate Outcome: Personal Music Provided to Alzheimer's Patients

Indicator: Number of volunteers/donations for program

Method: Survey and Record Keeping

Timeline: Spring 2024

Long-term Outcome: Improved Quality of Life for Seniors

Indicator: Reported Quality of Lifestyle

Method: Focus Group

Timeline: on-going

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Homemakers/Seniors/General Public

Project or Activity: Leader Training

Content or Curriculum: Brain Activities

Inputs: Program promotion/presentation/evaluation

Date: Oct/Nov 2024

Audience: Extension Homemakers/General Public

Project or Activity:  Leader Training

Content or Curriculum: Stroke Awareness

Inputs: Program Presentation

Date: Sept/Oct 2024

Audience: Senior Citizens

Project or Activity: Living Well Series

Content or Curriculum: UK Provided

Inputs: Promotion/Presentation/Evaluation

Date: Weekly classes Oct/December 2024 and Mar/May 2025

Audience: Seniors/Homemakers/General Public

Project or Activity: Leader Training

Content or Curriculum: Stay Happy/Stay Healthy

Inputs: Promotion/Presentation/Evaluation

Date: Feb/Mr. 2024

Audience: Family Members of Alzheimer's Patients

Project or Activity: Virtual Dementia Simulation

Content or Curriculum: RADD (Raising Awareness about Disability)

Inputs: Promotion/Presentation/Evaluation

Date: Spring 2025