Grant County CES

Title:

Embracing Life as We Age

MAP:

Empowering Citizens

Agents Involved:

Price, Fowler, Ammerman

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Embracing Life as We Age (general)

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Estate Planning

Situation:

People are living longer. In Grant County nearly 1 in 4 households included one or more persons age 65 and over. The number of Seniors (65+) 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 regards to health, independence and life quality throughout all stages of life

Long-Term Outcomes:

Change in social, economic, and environmental issues related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging:
• Decrease falls
• Decrease obesity
• Decrease 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 Grant County’s aging families

Intermediate Outcomes:

Change in behavior related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging:
• 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

Initial Outcomes:

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)

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Knowledge Gained
Indicator: Increased knowledge related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging
Method: Written or Oral Evaluation, Pre and Post Test
Timeline: Immediate

Intermediate Outcome: Behavior Change
Indicator: Apply learned skills to make changes in behavior to decrease risk of falling, improve mental health, make healthy eating choices, etc.
Method: Oral and Written Evaluations, Pre and Post Tests.
Timeline: 1-3 Years

Long-term Outcome: Changes in the aging of Grant County residents
Indicator: Change in social, economic, and environmental issues related to healthy aging, independent aging and quality aging Method: Noticeable changes in family relationships, and policy changes that promote healthy family relationships.
Timeline: 10 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Seniors (Age 65+) and Caregivers
Project or Activity: Fall prevention
Content or Curriculum: Stand up to Falling
Inputs: Agent, community resources, curriculum
Date: Winter 2018

Audience: Seniors (Age 65+)
Project or Activity: Passing on traditions
Content or Curriculum: Traditions
Inputs: Volunteers, agents, community partners
Date: Summer 2018

Audience: Caregivers of Seniors
Project or Activity: Alzheimer’s awareness
Content or Curriculum: Know the 10 Signs
Inputs: Agents, Community resources, curriculum
Date: Fall 2018

Success Stories