Extension
It Starts With Us
Quality Aging in Henry County
Embracing Life as We Age
Cathy Toole
Aging-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 # 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
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
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: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 20
Long-term Outcome: Improved Quality of Life for Seniors
Indicator: Reported Quality of Lifestyle
Method: Focus Group
Timeline: on-going
Audience: Homemakers/Seniors/General Public
Project or Activity: Leader Training
Content or Curriculum: Brain Activities
Inputs: Program promotion/presentation/evaluation
Date: Oct/Nov 2021
Audience: Extension Homemakers/General Public
Project or Activity: Leader Training
Content or Curriculum: Stroke Awareness
Inputs: Program Presentation
Date: Sept/Oct 2021
Audience: Senior Citizens
Project or Activity: Living Well Series
Content or Curriculum: UK Provided
Inputs: Promotion/Presentation/Evaluation
Date: Weekly classes Oct/December 2021 and Mar/May 2022
Audience: Seniors/Homemakers/General Public
Project or Activity: Leader Training
Content or Curriculum: Stay Happy/Stay Healthy
Inputs: Promotion/Presentation/Evaluation
Date: Feb/Mr. 2022
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 2022
