Extension
It Starts With Us
Healthy Aging (FCS)
Promote Healthy Lifestyles
Diane Mason, Liz Evans
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). As the largets and fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, older adults influence everything from consumer behavior to health-care costs (U.S. Census). While we may be adding more years to life, there is concern about life quality. The life expectancy of Kentuckians, 75.1 years, ranks among the bottom five states. Life expectancy is heavily influenced by life-long lifestyle behaviors and choices, including diet quality and physical activity habits. 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 Boone County Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Committee identified a significant need to provide educational opportunities to the aging population and to those serving in caregiving roles.
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 care giving knowledge and quality relationships
Improve financial knowledge and management
Improve healthy homes and communities
Improve quality of life for Kentucky’s aging families
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
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: Increased awareness of aging issues
Indicator: Post session evaluation
Method: Post session evaluation
Timeline: Immediately following program
Intermediate Outcome: Change in behavior to improve individual health or home environment for safety
Indicator: Evaluation information
Method: Mailed evaluation
Timeline: 3 to 6 month after program
Long-term Outcome: More individuals in community residing at home longer and health is improved or maintained
Indicator: Statistics
Method: Monitor statistics of aging population in county
Timeline: 4 years
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity:Osteoporosis and Bone Health Awareness
Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky; US Bone and Joint Initiative
Inputs: Guest speakers, activities to raise awareness of bone health
Date: November 2022
Audience: Adults of general public
Project or Activity: Wits Workout
Content or Curriculum: University of Illinois Extension Curriculum
Inputs: University of Illinois Curriculum; Library location
Date: March - May 2023; October-November 2022
Audience: Adults of the general public
Project or Activity: Aging with Your Pet
Content or Curriculum: UK extension, AVMA
Inputs: handouts
Date: March 2023
Author: Diane Mason
Major Program: Aging-General
One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Alzheimer’s disease was officially listed as the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States in 2021 (behind COVID-19). It remains the fifth-leading cause of death among individuals age 65 and older. (Alzheimer’s Association). As a result of these statistics, and guidance from the Boone County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Committee, a day-long workshop focused on dementia
Author: Robert Brockman
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
The problemDuring the Covid-19 pandemic, many retirement communities were shut off from the outside world to protect their susceptible communities. While this seclusion was important during the periods of high transmission and outbreaks, it is also difficult for the retirees who no longer have the social interactions they may need. This seclusion has continued into 2023, where many retirement communities do not have outside groups working with them. The educational program responseThe North
