Johnson County

Keys to Embracing Aging: Eating Smart and Healthy

Program Date: May 9, 2017

Keys to Embracing Aging Eating Smart and Healthy Program Success Story

Nutritious foods help maintain a healthy body and protect against various illnesses, disorders and chronic diseases (USDA, 2011), such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, cancer, and anemia (NIH, 2008).   Diet and nutrition can also help reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, handle arthritis, maintain healthy skin, hair and nails, and manage diabetes (NIH, 2008). The good news about nutrition is that it is never too late to start eating well; smart, nutritious eating contributes to health and well-being at any age. 

Johnson County presented Keys to Embracing Aging: Eating Smart and Healthy to 8 participants.  Of these, 8 completed post lesson evaluations. In general, 4 participants reported that they eat healthy and 6 have a positive relationship with food.Specifically, 6 report that they eat breakfast; 5 control portions; 3 drink water regularly; 2 make half their plate fruit and vegetables; 2 eat whole grains; 7 eat lean meats; 6 chose low fat or fat free dairy; and 4 limit the amounts of fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugars in their diet.  

As a result of the program, 8 participants reported improved understanding regarding the impact that eating smart and healthy has on overall health and well-being. 8 reported intentions to implement at least one strategy to improve their diet and nutrition and overall relationship with food.  

A valuable program, participants learned the ways to recognize different forms of sugar, the importance of vegetables, and that whole grains are healthy. All participants will be sent a 30-day follow-up evaluation.  

30-Day Follow-up Keys to Embracing Aging: Healthy Eating Success Story

Keys to Embracing Aging is a Cooperative Extension educational health intervention aimed at improving overall health by focusing on ways in which individuals and families can be empowered to take control of their own lifestyle decisions and behaviors in terms of health and well-being.  To demonstrate behavior change regarding eating smart and healthy, the program included a 30-day follow-up evaluation.  Of the 8 who were sent follow-up evaluations, 8 were returned. 8 reported that they implemented at least one strategy to develop healthier eating practices.Specifically, participants reported that they: ate smaller portions and less sugar.