Extension
It Starts With Us
Quality Aging in Henry County
Embracing Life as We Age
Maryellen Garrison
Keys to Embracing Aging
Stand Up to Falling
Know the 10 Signs
Traditions
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 18
Long-term Outcome: Improved Quality of Life for Seniors
Indicator: Reported Quality of Lifestyle
Method: Focus Group
Timeline: on-going
Audience: Senior Citizens
Project or Activity: Workshop Series
Content or Curriculum: A Matter of Balance/Falls Reduction
Inputs: Program promotion/presentation/evaluation
Date: Winter 2018
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Workshop
Content or Curriculum: Prepare to Care
Inputs: Program Presentation, collaboration with Health Coalition
Date: Fall of 2017
Audience: Extension Homemakers/General Public
Project or Activity: Workshop Leader Training
Content or Curriculum: Ins and Outs of Downsizing
Inputs: Program Presentation
Date: September 2017
Audience: Senior Citizens
Project or Activity: Living Well Series
Content or Curriculum: UK Provided
Inputs: Promotion/Presentation/Evaluation
Date: Weekly classes Oct/December 2017 and Mar/May 2018
Audience: Those with Alzheimer's and Family Members
Project or Activity: Music Therapy
Content or Curriculum: Music and Memory
Inputs: Promotion/Presentation/Evaluation
Date: Monthly
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 2018
Author: Maryellen Garrison
Major Program: Embracing Life as We Age (general)
Based on demographic trends, Kentucky needs to plan for a great increase in caregiving, by 2030 it is predicted that 19.8% of our population will be over 65. Today, over half of Kentucky’s older adults report living with a disability and there is a growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The Henry County Extension Service recognizes that caregiving is one of the most important roles a person will ever hold and that we are not trained for the role. We coll
Author: Maryellen Garrison
Major Program: Nurturing Families (general)
Anxiety and depression are major problems in nursing homes and many medications are used to treat these conditions. The statistics reflecting incidents of abuse involving elderly residents in nursing homes and care facilities are both staggering and disheartening. At the broadest level, more than two (2) million cases of elder abuse are reported every year, and almost one out of every ten elderly individuals will experience some form of elder abuse and in Kentucky there are currently over
Author: Maryellen Garrison
Major Program: Nurturing Families (general)
Imagine yourself living in a nursing home, relying on 24 hour care, and owning nothing more than the clothes on your back. Picture a life with no family and an overwhelming feeling that you have lost your control, freedom, and rights. Although this scenario may seem unimaginable, unfortunately it’s a sad reality for many elders anytime but especially during the holiday season. During a time that is typically filled with joy, compassion and family, for many nursing home residents, the holid
