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 County Cooperative Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences faced a lot of challenges when she was the long term care-giver for her own mother.  When talking with the Nelson County Extension Homemakers and FCS Advisory Committee, it became clear that many others in Nelson County were also facing challenges in arranging care, navigating healthcare choices and finding ways to stay actively engaged in the community as they aged.  Danielle and a committee of 8 individuals worked together to plan the Aging in Nelson County Senior Resource Fair.  

On June 8th, 2023, the Aging in Nelson County Senior Resource fair was hosted by the Nelson County Cooperative Extension Office with support of the Nelson County Homemakers.  The day had 17 speakers and over 30 educational exhibits that related to health, safety, legal planning, volunteering, active aging and more.  Over 150 individuals attended the event, some staying for all 7 hours and attending multiple speaker sessions.  Some participants left and came back bringing additional guests. The attendees were diverse in age, ethnicity and socioeconomic background. 

Over 100 Health Information Cards were given out, 15 people became more impowered to address Medicare fraud if it happens to them. 50 individuals signed up to receive a senior resource directory, 20 radon detection kits were given out, information about Medicaid/Medicare was given out to over 65 individuals, 80 individuals learned about the services offered by the Nelson County Community low income Clinic, over 20 individuals were connected with long-term care options in our community, and over 50 individuals received important information about legal documents such as Do Not Resuscitate Forms, Living Wills, Health Care Surrogates and Powers of Attorney. One community partner who provided services for those with hearing loss, helped a daughters navigate a clear path for her deaf father to utilize his Medicare benefits. 

A follow up evaluation with participants indicated that program participants have taken the following actions after participating in the senior resource fair:

• Made appointments with Elder Lawyers to have wills and other important papers updated
• Did Radon Testing in their home
• Began incorporating the MIND diet into their menu plans
• Installed handrails and indirect lighting in their home to prevent falls
• Made plans to use service offered in the future that they did not know were available, such as nail trimming at doctor appointment and purchasing adaptive equipment to allow safer independent living. 
• After attending a presentation about renewing your drivers liscense presented by Senator Jimmy Higdon, one participant was able to renew their liscence the next day and felt more comfortable speaking with him about addressing PVA home values for seniors.
• One senior was empowered to begin the process for hosting local AARP driving courses for seniors.
• One senior with mobility issues learned a safer way to get into and out of their chair.