According to census data by the Kentucky State Data Center (KSDC), the population aged 65 and older is at 17%. Life expectancy in Kentucky is 75.1 years compared to 78.5 years in the US overall. The National Council on Aging reports that nearly 95% of adults 60 and over have at least one chronic condition such as diabetes and heart disease. Unfortunately, many older people often have difficulty changing dietary and physical activity habits to stay healthy.

The Christian County Nutrition Education Program Assistant taught the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum at senior apartments. Topics discussed included Shifting to Healthier Choices, Healthy Cooking, Food Safety, Fruits and Vegetables, and Healthy Affordable Meals.

Inspired by the lessons, the seniors made positive lifestyle changes. According to pre and post lesson surveys, 100% of participants showed improvement in one or more diet quality indicators with 50% eating more fruits, vegetables and cereal with milk more often each day. Physical activity behaviors improved with 83% making small changes to be active more often. The seniors also showed 100% improvement in one or more food safety practices such as using a meat thermometer more often.