Logan County CES

Title:

Embracing Life As We Age

MAP:

Embracing Life As We Age

Agents Involved:

Rachel Hance

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Embracing Life as We Age (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 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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increased change in behavior related to healthy aging including change in behavior to decrease risk of falling

Initial Outcomes:

Increased awareness related to healthy aging including risk of falling and healthy lifespan behaviors

Evaluation:

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

Learning Opportunities:

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 2019