Author: Carla Carter
Major Program: Aging-General
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) disproportionately impacts African Americans compared to non-Hispanic Whites, with Franklin County, Kentucky ranking 2nd highest frequency in the United States for diagnosis in this population. The goal of this study was to examine program evaluation of a unique interdisciplinary, multi-modal and holistic community-based program, “Healthy Aging Workshop Series.”Findings from the 2022 Unity in the Community event indicat
Author: Dayna Fentress
Bingocize is an evidence-based 10-week program that combines a bingo-like game with exercise and/or health education. The goal of Bingocize is to improve and/or maintain mobility and independence, learn and use health information focused on falls reduction and other health-related behavior, and engage older adults in social settings. The long-term outcomes of Bingocize have proven to be that there are more improved lower and upper body strength, improved gait, balance and range of motion, improv
Author: Deborah Shepherd
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 36 million falls are recorded among older adults each year-resulting in more than 32,000 injuries. Furthermore, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury. The fear of falling is a common and rational fear for older adults. Often, falls cause injuries that take away independence for the short term during the healing process and othe
Author: Amy Kostelic
Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied Science in Health & Aging. He created the socially engaging group-based game that combines health education and exercise in the format of BINGO. Dr. Crandall and his research team have tested the program and demonstrated that over 90% of older adults who played two times a week for 10 weeks significantly improved physical, social and mental health. Together, Dr. Crandall and Amy Kostelic wo
Author: Whitney Morrow
Carter County residents of all ages need enhanced opportunities for physical and mental health. As baby boomers are entering retirement, the population ages 65 and over in Carter County are projected to increase. In 2019 our senior population was 5,065 and in 2025 it is estimated to be 5,231 (KY By the Numbers, Carter County Data Profile). Older adults are also at greater risk of developing complications for Covid-19. Not only are senior citizens at greater risk of illness and death
Author: Marsha Hagler
The population of Nelson County, like many other counties within Nelson County is trending older. According to the Kentucky By the Number County data sheet, "As baby boomers are entering retirement, between 2010 and 2025 the population ages 65 and over in Nelson County are projected to increase by 82.5% compared to 51.9% for the state as a whole." As a result, services related to aging are in greater demand for seniors and their caregivers. Danielle Hagler, Nelson Cou
Author: Edith Lovett
Grow your Garden, Grow your Mind April 2023 Success StoryAccording to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health in 2021, 23.05% of people in Kentucky report a mental illness of any kind in the past year (defined as having a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, other than a developmental or substance use disorder). 4 in 10 adults in the US have at least one chronic disease, and 6 i
Author: Christy Stearns
Community members of all ages need enhanced opportunities for physical and mental health. As baby boomers are entering retirement, between 2010 and 2025 the population ages 65 and over in Clinton County are projected to increase by 22.7% (KY By the Numbers, Clinton County Data Profile). One area of significant ranking from the 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment was more senior citizen support programs. With an anticipated growing senior adult population and the identified need for more
Author: Krista Perry
Second Wind Dreams was established in Henry County in 2006 with the guidance of the former Henry County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent. This group was established when the number of local senior citizens residing in the assisted living and senior center were asking for wishes and were unable to be filled due to the lack of family, funding, and resources, prompting a need within the community. After multiple conversations with community leaders, four individuals, including the
Author: Brenda Cockerham
Building good health practices is one of the top priorities in the Family and Consumer Sciences Program. In 2022 beginning with Bingocise, followed by Fit Blue, then Gentle Yoga, we were able to move into a walking program and a slightly more advanced yoga and are now continuing with walking the trails and a monthly foods and nutrition lunch and learn program that fits nutritious goals. The never before reached clientele began coming to the program in February, then continued through each cycle
Author: Diane Mason
One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Alzheimer’s disease was officially listed as the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States in 2021 (behind COVID-19). It remains the fifth-leading cause of death among individuals age 65 and older. (Alzheimer’s Association). As a result of these statistics, and guidance from the Boone County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Committee, a day-long workshop focused on dementia
