Wits Workout is a peer-reviewed, pilot-tested, brain health resource tool developed to assist leaders who provide programming to older adults in community settings. It was developed by Extension colleagues, Chelsey Byers and Molly Hofer from the University of Illinois. Wits Workout has two main goals—to provide purposeful opportunities for older adults to engage intellectually, and to increase their socialization through ongoing group participation.

The 264-page facilitator’s guide consists of 24 themed units, each accommodating a 60–90-minute face-to-face program. The length of the session can be modified by the number of activities utilized. Sessions can be offered weekly, biweekly, or monthly, and can stand alone or be presented as a series.  

In February 2024, 101 FCS Agents from UK attended an in-person training to teach the WITS curriculum. Since that training, 32 agents have reported that they have taught or have confirmed plans to teach WITS within the next two months. Thus far, 34 sessions of WITS have been presented to 676 participants.  The feedback from both agents and participants is overwhelmingly positive.

To further support brain health, a Talking FACS Podcast was recorded with Mindy McCulley and Drs. Amy Kostelic and Elizabeth Rhodus from UK Sanders-Brown Center for Aging. The podcast aired on April 23, 2024. To date this podcast has received 93 downloads and is estimated to have reached 1,645 people.  Agents can also access Family Caregiver Health Bulletins dedicated to brain health. Bulletins are estimated to reach 33,745 people.   

UK FCS will continue to work with extension colleagues from the U of IL to support WITS Workout and enhance evaluation of the program.