Keys to Embracing Aging
Embracing Life as we Age
Nellie Buchanan
Keys to Embracing Aging
People are living longer. KY's current population of seniors (65+) is 13.3%, a number that is expected to double in the next 40 years due to aging Baby Boomers (post WWII babies born between 1946-1964). Approximately 25% of KY's population includes boomers, who, in 2011, started turning 65. Meanwhile, babies born in KY 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 Embracing aging is to present programs that help individuals, families and communities manage the challenges and discover the positive aspects of life transitions and growing older.
Increase in participants physical activity. There will be an increase in caregiving knowledge and quality relationships and an increase in the quality of life for Morgan County's aging families
Participants will change behavior to decrease risk of falling. Participants will improve mental health. Participants will create a legacy and increase brain activity
Participants will be able to identify healthy lifespan behaviors. Participants will increase understanding and awareness of age-related family issues i.e. dementia and other lifespan issues
Initial Outcome: Participants in Keys to Embracing AGing will be able to identify age related family issues
Indicator: Number of participants reporting positive responses
Method: Pre and post survey
Timeline: 2017 - March 2018
Intermediate Outcome: Participants will create a legacy for family members
Indicator: Number of participants completing legacy information for family legacy boxes
Method: Survey
Timeline: April - June 2018
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Audience: Participants age 18 and above
Project or Activity: Keys to Embracing Aging
Content or Curriculum: Keys to Embracing aging
Inputs: FCs agent, specialists, KY CES publications and resources, national and state trends, census information, Julie Zimmerman, UK Sanders Brown Center on Aging, local health care providers
Date: July 2017 - May 2018
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Author: Nellie Buchanan
Major Program: Keys to Embracing Aging
Morgan County Keys to Embracing Aging: Brain Activity 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).