Lyon County CES

Title:

Adapting Lifestyles to Promote Healthy Aging

MAP:

Embracing Life As We Age

Agents Involved:

Angie York

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Embracing Life as We Age (general)

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Stand Up to Falling

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 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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

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.

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: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 2018

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 2018

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 2018

Learning Opportunities:

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 2018