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: End of Life Considerations
Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky
Inputs: Guest speakers, programs on diabetes, cancer, heart health
Date: September, October 2024
Audience: Adults of general public
Project or Activity: Wits Workout
Content or Curriculum: University of Illinois Extension Curriculum
Inputs: University of Illinois Curriculum
Date: March- April 2025
Audience: Adults of the general public
Project or Activity: Aging with Your Pet
Content or Curriculum: UK extension, AVMA
Inputs: handouts
Date: October 2024
