Author: Jane Proctor
Major Program: Embracing Life as We Age (general)
The United States Census Bureau estimates that the average person will move 11.7 times during his or her lifetime. There are many reasons why a person may consider downsizing to a smaller home. In recent years, downsizing has become increasingly common, especially among older adults. Older adults are often interested in downsizing to meet retirement goals, simplify their lifestyle or to live closer to family. Occasionally, the decision to downsize is one that is based on necessity, such as the l
Author: Joan Bowling
In the year 2012, nearly 9% of Americans age 65 and over were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and by the year 2050, the number of cases is predicted to triple. The Family and Consumer Sciences agents in Kenton County addressed this issue by repeating the 3 – part series, presenting the latest research on nutrition, physical exercise, and mental exercise that might reduce this risk. Attendees were presented an interactive lecture/discussion with through a weekly “lunch and l
Author: Linda Brown-Price
A three part series “Brain Matters” was held in Kenton County in the spring of 2017 that addressed the effects of brain stimulation on the health of the brain. Mental exercise was stressed to stimulate and enhance brain connection, increase blood flow, and provide new challenges that exercise cognitive functions. A follow-up survey was mailed to participants in the winter of 2018. 94% of the respondents indicated they had increased their mental exercise. Participants indicated increa
Author: Catherine Jansen
According to the CDC, 30.3 million Americans have diabetes and another 84 million have prediabetes. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, costing $245 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity annually. Kentucky is fifth in the leading states in type 2 diabetes. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, killing 289,758 women in 2013—that’s about 1 in every 4 female deaths.With an increased population of ag
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
According to Kentucky Safety and Prevention Alignment Network, falls are the number one injury that required a person to seek medical treatment in hospital emergency rooms. In Woodford County, according to KSPAN, there are approximately 40 emergency room visits annually related to falls for people over the age of 65. While nearly all falls are preventable, there are still close to 4% of these falls that lead to death. Falls are a major concern for senior citizens and many falls are never reporte
Author: Mary Hixson
One-third of adults ages 65 years and older fall each year (Hornbrook 1994; Hausdorff, 2001). Total hospital charges for fall-related inpatient hospitalizations involving Kentucky residents ages 65+ was on average $44,893 (Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, 2014). Fall related injuries for seniors cost around $20 billion a year (Health Leaders Media, 2006). In addition, the fear of falling is often a real concern for the aging adult. This fear may cause a red
Author: Amy Kostelic
AARP Prepare to CareAARP Prepare to Care program Success StoryBased on demographic trends, Kentucky needs to plan for a great increase in caregiving. In 2005, 12.5% of Kentucky’s population was reported to be 65+ and by 2030 it is predicted that 19.8% of the Commonwealth’s population will be 65+ (2007 U.S. Census Bureau). Today, over half of Kentucky’s older adults report living with a disability. In addition, there is a growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and
Author: Diane Mason
According the U.S. Census, approximately 54 percent of the Boone County population is between the ages of 18 and 65 and about 13 percent is age 65 or older. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout life is important, but even more so the older we get. Healthier adults generally require fewer medical services and may live independently longer. Educational programming to address common aging questions and issues has been requested and supported by the Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Commit
Author: Thays Flores
An estimated 5.7 million Americans of all ages are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2018. Of the estimated 5.7 million Americans, 71,000 are Kentucky residents. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., and it is the fifth leading cause of death for those ages 65 and older. With these statistics in mind the Estill County Family and Consumer Sciences agent collaborated with the Alzheimer’s Association to put together an “Alzheimer’s: Basics Prog
Author: Alethea Price
This study seeks to teach seniors (55+) attending the Boyle County senior center, in Boyle County Kentucky how to grow thornless,erect blackberry brambles and consume fresh blackberries using healthy recipes. UK Horticulture, nutrition, geriatric, and extension experts worked together to design a blackberry-growing program that engages seniors in every step of the process, from planting to harvesting and consuming. The program will be advertised to senior center participants and the co
Author: Amanda Broderick
In a world where technology is evolving nearly every day there are many scams that evolve with it. Cyber security is a huge issue in our nation and it is estimated that by 2021 annual costs for cyber related fraud will increase to $6 trillion. Senior citizens and older individuals tend to be especially susceptible targets for cyber criminals due to a lack of knowledge of how newer technology works. FBI crime reports show that older adults were the largest group of individuals who lost money due
Author: Luciana Hockersmith
In response to population demographics with higher than average rates of persons over 65, The FCS Agent offered "Matter of Balance," a research- and evidence-based curriculum to reduce the fear of falling through skill building and practice. (more to come)
Author: Kathy Byrnes
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that in 2018 there are 5.7 million Americans living with the disease, and by 2050 they estimate 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s disease. Although there is no cure for the disease, much research is being done about ways to reduce the risk. With this in mind, the Family and Consumer Sciences agents in Kenton County planned a 3 – part series titled “Brain Matters”, presenting the latest research on nutrition, physical
Author: Glenna Wooten
A healthy brain is crucial to survival, growth and everyday successes (Smith, 2010). Similar to the rest of the body, the brain needs exercise and maintenance in order to optimize and protect its current and future health. In particular, the brain needs socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, nutrition and sleep (AARP/Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, 2009; Alzheimer’s Association, 2011). Perry County presented Keys to Embracing Aging: Brain Activity. 6 participants c
Author: Judith O'Bryan
The body’s physical and mental decline associated with aging varies from person to person, but common issues can be a decline in memory, difficulty learning new things and trouble focusing from one task to another. Research shows that people who stay intellectually engaged are more likely to maintain their mental acuity. Quilting has been done for years to provide warm blankets for families, but in the last few decades retirees have turned to quilting to help fill the time gap
Author: Jamille Hawkins
In the 2012 census, Monroe county estimated population was 10,821 people. 17.7% of the total population is older than 64 years of age. “The new future of old age is about staying in society, staying in the workplace and staying very connected. And technology is going to be a very big part of that…It provides a way to make new connections, new friends and new senses of purpose (Clifford,2009). As a part of the growing older population and due to multiple inquiries about technology qu
Author: Maryellen Garrison
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: Judith Hetterman
Depression in adults over 65 is common. Depression can affect physical, emotional, and social well-being. Everyone gets "down in the dumps" or "feels blue" every once in a while. A quilt retreat has been offer for seven years in the fall for 35 - 50 participants from six states. Last fall one of our usual participants ask a friend to come to the retreat. The friend was having problems with depression. No one realized their friend was planning to commit suicide the next week.
