Author: Patrick Hardesty
Major Program: Aging-General
One of the main health objectives for the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) is to assist in funding ovarian cancer screening and research at the University of Kentucky. Since 1977 KEHA has partnered with the University of Kentucky’s Ovarian Cancer Research Project, donating more than $1,525,000 as of June 2020. In 1977 when this program began, members were asked to donate $1 each per year. Today, $1 of every member’s annual dues is contributed to the
Author: Rachel Hance
According to 2019 Census data, 16% of Kentuckians and 18.6% of Logan Countians are 65 years old and older. By 2040, it is projected that EVERY EXTENSION DISTRICT will see an increase in the percentage of older adults (Zimmerman, KY By the Numbers, 2018). In order to add life to years, 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 In
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 place their life on hold—mask mandates, social distancing and staying away from large crowds, capacity limits at businesses, restaurants, and bars. The pandemic overwhelmed health care providers and especially affected those in high risk categories, which included people ove
Author: Andrea Slone
Prior to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the Floyd County Family and Consumer Science program went to a local elderly community, Highland Terrace for arts engagement. Highland Terrace in considered a “high rise” community. Only those 65 and older can live there. Extension has been a longtime partner with the community in health and wellness program, arts engagement, and agriculture. Studies suggest that elderly involved with arts engagement are generally healthier because the arts create
Author: Kate Thompson
Click this link for video: http://campbellmedia.org/video/13828/ Regular physical activity is extremely important for the aging adult. Scientific studies have proven that exercise can help prevent or manage chronic diseases, improve cognitive functions, decrease falls, and improve one’s mental health (Centers for Disease Control). Thirty-two percent of Kentuckians are physically inactive; specifically, in Campbell County, 28% of adults are not physically active
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. Since the pandemic, even more people are uninsured or under insured and are looking for educational opportunities to learn how to move forward with planning. The Homemaker Voluntee
Author: Karen Denniston
In the modern age of technology, the nature of estate planning has changed. Because so much personal information is stored online, new strategies must be undertaken in order to protect one’s digital assets. Digital estate planning helps loved ones to locate and access important digital information, it may clarify disputes regarding final will and testament, and it may simplify the transition for family members. Fayette Co. Extension FCS partnered with Bluegrass Elder Law to present
Author: Joan Bowling
It is predicted that by 2030 19.8% of our population will be over 65. 14 percent of U.S. households report that at least one person has been a family caregiver to someone 50+ within the last 12 months. 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. Due to the increasing demand for knowledge regarding caregiver resources and support in Kenton County, the Family and
Author: Rebecca Miller
The 2020/2021 year has held many challenges for everyone across the United States. Facing a global pandemic wasn’t easy and brought on fear, stress and uncertainty for all families in our community. Helping individuals to manage and learn to cope with these obstacles in a safe way and helping them to stay physically connected but physically distanced was the focus and goal.The Bell County Cooperative Extension Service provided weekly grab and go kits with the lessons on the keys to embraci
Author: Ronda Rex
According to the Mayo Clinic, "a distraction can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression. Doing something positive to manage anxiety is a healthy coping strategy." The Center for Disease Control states that "stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:Fear and worry about your health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of essential support services.
Author: Lynnette Allen
After the age of 65, physical changes, medical conditions, and medication usage can increase a person’s risk of falling. While not all falls are serious, falls continue to remain the leading cause of injury and injury-related death among older adults in the United States. Seniors often develop the fear of falling and become less physically and socially active, and therefore become more dependent and less confident. Knowing the risks and being familiar with fall-prevention measures can help
Author: Kelly Burgess
Health and safety-related decisions that individuals and families make across the lifespan directly affect overall well-being and the ability to age well. Yet many individuals make choices which result in poor overall health and high chronic disease rates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, senior adults have been more prone to isolation than usual and more than other age groups due to increased immune vulnerability. After speaking with the director of the Scottsville Senior Center, who stated
