Extension
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Embracing Life As We Age
Embracing Life As We Age
Rachel Hance
Prepare to Care
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 that 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.
Change in social, economic and environmental issues related to healthy aging including decrease falls, increased physical activity, and improvement of quality of life for Kentucky's aging families
Increased change in behavior related to healthy aging including change in behavior to decrease risk of falling
Increased awareness related to healthy aging including risk of falling and healthy lifespan behaviors
Initial Outcome: Increased awareness related to healthy aging including risk of falling and healthy lifespan behaviors
Indicator: Number of participants who improved fall prevention knowledge and skills to help reduce the risk of falling
Method: Survey or question/answer session
Timeline: At end of program
Intermediate Outcome: Increased change in behavior related to healthy aging including change in behavior to decrease risk of falling
Indicator:Number of participants reporting intent to implement one or more strategies to reduce the risk of falling (such as protecting vision, reviewing medications, increase physical activity, necessary home modifications)
Method: Mail out or email survey
Timeline: 3-6 weeks following program
Long-term Outcome: Change in social, economic and environmental issues related to healthy aging including decrease falls, increased physical activity, and improvement of quality of life for Kentucky's aging families
Indicator: Number of participants who increased physical activity to reduce the risk of falling
Method: Mail out or email survey
Timeline: 8-10 weeks following program
Audience: General Public, Aging Citizens
Project or Activity: Stand Up to Falling
Content or Curriculum: UK publications and resources
Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, program assistants, specialists, and volunteers; Kentucky CES publications and resources; Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA); Department for Aging and Independent living and Area Agencies on Aging; UK College of Public Health
Date: Fall 2018
Author: Rachel Hance
Major Program: Embracing Life as We Age (general)
Kentucky’s current population of seniors (65+) is 13.3%. In 2012, according to the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, over 7,000 adults 65 years of age or older were hospitalized and approximately 27,000 older adults were treated for fall related injuries in Kentucky hospitals. To address this issue locally, Logan County presented Stand Up To Falling to participants at the Russellville Senior Center. Following the program, 75% indicated that the program increased their underst
