Author: Kate Thompson
Major Program: Embracing Life as We Age (general)
One in four Americans ages 65 years and older fall each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). In 2014, there were 8,164 fall-related inpatient hospitalizations for Kentucky residents ages 65+ (Kentucky Safety and Prevention Alignment Network, 2014). According to the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center in Campbell County for seniors (age 65 +), the estimated emergency department visits to hospitals for unintentional falls from 2008-2012 was 30-40%.
Author: Amy Kostelic
On March 6, 2020 Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear, declared Kentucky a “state of emergency” due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. Citizens of Kentucky and throughout the United States were asked to social distance and stay away from large crowds, especially those in high risk categories, which included people over the age of 60 and those with chronic conditions, compromised immune systems (governor.ky.gov/covid19, 2020). Within one week, visits to long-term care facilities w
Author: Nicole Gwishiri
According to Data USA, 10 percent of people living in Bath County receive Medicare benefits. Another 10 percent of citizens are uninsured. Because of the clientele we serve and the leadership of our Bath County Homemakers, a volunteer decided to host Medicare Minute through Family and Consumer Sciences Extension. The Homemaker Volunteer, a certified health insurance broker, and the Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent began their partnership with Medicare Minute at the beginning of
Author: Tamera Magee
Healthy Bladder Habits Might Help You is a state KEHA lesson. The Franklin Co. FCS agent taught this lesson to twenty-five women who would in turn teach the lesson in their respective clubs throughout the Fort Harrod area.Fifty percent of women will experience urinary incontinence although they may not discuss this issue with their doctor due to embarrassment or that such experience is normal. The problem may impact their lives emotionally, socially, physically, and psychologically.
Author: Renata Farmer
People are living longer. Kentucky’s current population of seniors (65+) is 16.4% (2019 Census Data). In regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, this population is considered the most vulnerable. Knox County Extension was tasked with reaching this audience while social distancing. It was important to the Knox County FCS Council to not only consider the physical health of our seniors but also the mental and emotional health. In an effort to reach this audience, programming was offered throu
Author: Anna Morgan
Americans are traveling more than ever. Being prepared and organizing for a trip can makes travel experiences more pleasant for individuals and their families. The Fulton County Family and consumer Sciences Agent taught this lesson in 4 counties to 42 Purchase Area Homemakers. Learning to complete necessary travel arrangements and be prepared if the unexpected happens. Simple actions can keep individuals and property protected while traveling. This program guided participants in identifying comm
Author: Diana Doggett
Of the total population in Fayette County, 20% of citizens are projected to be 65+ years by 2025. Kentucky’s senior adult population will nearly triple with the largest increase among those over 85 years of age (US Census). To assist seniors in their quest to remain healthy, vital and independent, Fayette Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences partner with LFUCG Social Services, BGADD, UK Public Health and local care providers and volunteers to provide conference fo
Author: Catherine Jansen
In January 2020, the Northern Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences agents planned the upcoming year and conducted the winter Extension Homemaker “Learn with Us” lesson event titled, “Simplify Your Life”. Almost 100 Extension Homemakers from Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Kenton, Gallatin, Grant, Owen and Pendleton Counties descended on the Boone County Enrichment Center to learn new strategies to reduce food waste, minimize clutter, speed cleaning, organizing, minimizin
As the population gets older in the community and life experiences have changed over the last 30 years, the Baby Boomer generation is experiencing many types of heart ache. Many people are depressed because of a loss of a loved one, loss of a job, there children have moved out, they have relatives that are incarcerated, they are raising grandchildren, there is addiction of a loved one or many other issues that have changed in their life. The Carroll County Extension Service FCS progr
Author: Lora Howard
Clay County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent taught Healthy Bladder Habits as a leaders training to Wilderness Trail Area leaders, total of 11 participants. Research suggests that 50% of women will experience urinary incontinence (UI) at some point in their lifetime and half of women experiencing UI do not discuss it condition with their physician. After 4 months a follow up evaluation was completed with these results 55% stated they gained knowledge on Pelvic floor and urinary incon
Author: Angie York
The nature of the role for a Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) agent allows much interaction with senior adults. Understandably, many people in their sixties and above have not embraced technology even though much of the world around them is digital. According to Pew Research, this same population spends more than half of their daily leisure time (just over 4 hours) on their TVs, computers, tablets or other electronic devices. This research tells us senior adults have access t
Author: Lora Davidson
Improving the Aging Process and Intergenerational Relationships Through QuiltingThe 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 body’s physical and mental decline associated with aging varies from person to person, but some 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. Traditionally, quilting was done to provide warm blankets for families, but in the last few decades we have learned that quilting has much more to offer.
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: Sherri Broderick
The CDC reports millions of seniors, 65 and older fall and one out of four seniors fall each year. Many falls are not reported, therefore not tracked. The fear of falling becomes overwhelming, and causes many to reduce normal activities and exercise in return actually increases ones risk for falling. Thirty-one participants completed a Matter of Balance 8 week series conducted at either the Gallatin County Senior Center or Carroll County Senior Center. The goal of Matter of Bal
Author: Glenna Wooten
Perry County is a rural county with no major interstates but does have two major highways intersecting in the county seat. The population of Perry County declined slightly over 9 % between 2010 and 2018 with 17% of the population being 65 years or older. Thirty-five percent of adults in Perry County exceed the state average for lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, poor nutrition, physically unhealthy days and mentally unhealthy days. (Kentucky Health Facts.org). &
Author: Nanette Banks
Letcher County is a rural, hilly county with no major interstates. The population of Letcher County declined 10.7 % between 2010 and 2018 with 19.5% of the population being 65 years or older. Adults in Letcher County exceed the state average for lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, poor nutrition, physically unhealthy days and mentally unhealthy days. (Kentucky Health Facts.org). According to a study by the Harvard Medical School, isolation and loneliness jeopardi
