Extension
It Starts With Us
Adapting Lifestyles to Promote Healthy Aging
Embracing Life As We Age
Angie York
Embracing Life as We Age (general)
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.
Change in social, economic, and environmental issues related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging:
-Decrease falls.
-Decrease obesity.
-Decrease in number 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.
-Build strong KY families.
-FCS Extension becomes a state leader in aging education.
Changes in behavior related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging including:
-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 acknowledge and embrace aging issues.
Change in awareness, knowledge, and aspirations related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging:
-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).
Initial Outcome:Change in awareness, knowledge, and aspirations related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging
Indicator: Individuals report changes in knowledge and attitude toward aging.
Method:Pre/Post Evaluations
Timeline: FY 2020
Intermediate Outcome:Changes in behavior related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging.
Indicator:Individuals report change in behaviors that affect quality of life as they age.
Method:Follow-up evaluation.
Timeline: FY 2020
Long-term Outcome: Change in social, economic, and environmental issues related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging.
Indicator:Statistics on issues related to healthy aging change to optimum levels.
Method: Statistics gathered through public agencies.
Timeline:FY 2020
Audience: Families and Individuals in Lyon County
Project or Activity: Keys to Embracing Aging
Content or Curriculum: Keys to Embracing Aging
Inputs:Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, program assistants, specialists and volunteers, Kentucky CES publications and resources,eXtension resources
Date: FY 2020
Author: Angie York
Major Program: Embracing Life as We Age (general)
The body’s physical and mental decline associated with aging varies from person to person, but some common issues can be a decline in memory, difficulty learning new things, and trouble focusing from one task to another. Research shows that people who stay intellectually engaged are more likely to maintain their mental acuity. Traditionally, quilting was done to provide warm blankets for families, but in the last few decades we have learned that quilting has much more to offer.
