Extension
It Starts With Us
Embracing Life as We Age
Embracing Life As We Age
May, Sasser, Sebastian
Aging-General
Active Living and Health Promotions General
People are living longer. Kentucky’s current population of seniors (65+) is 16.4% (2019 Census Data). By 2040 it is projected that every district will see an increase in the percent of the population that is age 65 and older. The percentage of population for Perry County entering retirement age is predicted to increase by 38.3% between 2010 figures and the year 2025 alone. (Zimmerman/KY by the Numbers). As the largest 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 years to life, there is concern about life quality. This is because a person’s life expectancy, the total number of years a person is expected to live, does not always match a person’s “health span”—time spent in good health (Institute of Medicine). The life expectancy of Kentuckians, 75.1 years, fluctuates as much as 9 years between counties and ranks among the bottom five states. Heavily influenced by life-long lifestyle behaviors and choices, including quality of diet, physical activity and tobacco use, the Kentuckian health span is also below national averages. Kentucky FCS can help individuals and families establish healthy lifestyle behaviors and relationships throughout the lifespan as way to positively influence optimal aging and help reduce issues such as chronic disease, obesity, opioid and alcohol abuse, and mental illness. The 2019 Community Assessment included an indication the county desired more youth life skills training in money management and life decision-making. Learning to care for themselves, their future families, and eventually managing life as a retiree needs to begin early in life if youth are to be successful.
Adapt lifestyles to promote healthy aging.
Identify, develop, and evaluate programs and policies that promote healthy aging in Kentucky.
Kentuckians improve health span through lifestyle choices and behaviors related to overall health and well-being.
Youth will gain knowledge to maintain employment through life skill development.
Practice healthy communication and enhance relationships to promote quality aging.
Kentuckians improve health span through lifestyle choices and behaviors related to overall health and well-being.
More Kentucky households prepare for caregiving.
Youth will practice responsible consumer and financial decision-making.
Youth will make choices that lead to responsible and beneficial results.
Youth will adopt habits and skills that contribute toward employability in the future.
Learn about aging and how to make changes.
Kentuckians understand the importance of lifestyle choices and behaviors throughout their lifespan on their overall health, well-being and life quality.
Kentuckians learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Kentuckians learn that caregiver preparation in important.
Kentuckians learn that disease prevention and early detection is important.
Kentuckians learn about resources to enhance life quality, safety and to support aging families.
Youth will understand the decision-making process.
Youth will gain skills in setting a goal and developing a plan of action.
Outcome: Adapt healthy lifestyles related to aging and longevity.
Youth gain skills in setting a goal and developing a plan of action.
Indicator: Total number of individuals/families who learned information about healthy lifestyle choices related to aging/longevity, the total number of individuals/families/caregivers who adapted their behavior.
Number of youth participating and their reactions and reports.
Number of youth who practiced financial decision-making skills as a result of what they learned in 4-H.
Method: Lesson evaluations.
4-H Common Measurers survey.
Timeline: 2021-2024
Audience: Perry Senior Citizen Center
Project or Activity: Bingocize
Content or Curriculum: WKU Curriculum
Inputs: Specialists, agents, partner with community resources (KRADD)
Date: Weekly
Audience: Community Members
Project or Activity: Drop It Like Its Hot
Content or Curriculum: Drop It Like Its Hot Nutrition Lessons
Inputs: Quicksand Area FCS Agents
Date: Spring-10 weeks
Audience: Senior Citizens
Project or Activity: Senior Games
Content or Curriculum: Promote and encourage physical activity for Perry County Senior Citizens
Inputs: Agents, Volunteers, Area Agency on Aging, KRADDDate: Spring
Audience: Elementary age youth
Project of Activity: Dollars and Sense
Content or Curriculum: Dollars and Sense
Inputs: Curricula, teen leaders, teachers, supplies for event
Date: fall
Audience: Seventh graders
Project or Activity: 24th Annual 4-H Reality Store
Content or Curriculum: HSFPP, Core curricula available
Date: November
