People are living longer. Our current population of seniors (65+) is 14.4%, 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). Approximately 25% of our population includes Boomers, who, in 2011, started turning 65. Meanwhile, babies born in 2011 are projected to live to be 75 years old (3 years younger than the national average). Whether it is the graying of America or projected changes in life expectancy, healthy aging is a lifespan process. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge the changes that accompany aging in regard to health, family, independence and life quality throughout all stages of life.

The FCS Agent, program assistants, and SNAP-Ed assistant from Knox County Cooperative Extension Service teamed up to offer an aging gracefully program series, Beautiful Minds, Beautiful Lives to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and as many as 16 million will have the disease in 2050. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Knox County has a high percentage of people whose age places them at great risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Through this 8 week series, Knox County Cooperative Extension Service brought information to the community using materials and support from the Alzheimer’s Association as well as Keys to Embracing Aging and Healthy Choices for Every Body.

As a result of the program(2016-2017):

-100% participants report improved knowledge regarding life span behavior and decisions that affect health and well-being (such as enhanced knowledge of: positive attitude, smart and healthy eating, physical activity, mental activity, social activity, tuning-in to the times, safety, health numbers, stress management, financial management sleep, and taking personal time)

-100% participants whose knowledge about the risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease improved

-85% participants reported practicing healthy behavior (such as physical activity, healthy diet, stress management, sleep, mental exercise, meaningful social engagement)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE 2017-2018:

After the success of the initial Beautiful Minds, Beautiful Lives (BMBL) series, Knox County FCS Council and program participates suggested that this series become a monthly program. Once a month, BMBL is held where the focus is one of the twelve "Keys to Embracing Aging" publications, healthy snacks, and activities to reinforce each key.

12 Keys:

1. Attitude is Everything
   1. 100% participates reported increase in knowledge on good versus bad stress.
   2. 100% participated reported increase in healthy stress management techniques.
   3. 92% participated reported implementing healthy stress management techniques in every day life.