The Letcher County Family & Consumer Sciences Agent offered Keys to Embracing Aging, an educational health intervention program 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 the program included a 30-day follow-up evaluation on each of the twelve topics.

Results are as follows: 

• 70% reported that they implemented at least one strategy to develop a more positive attitude and 70% reported an overall improved attitude as a result of the program. Participants reported that they: stopped arguing, and checked in on others to see how they were doing.

• 56% reported that they implemented at least one strategy to develop healthier eating practices.  Participants reported that they: cut back on sodium and ate breakfast.

• 80% reported that they implemented at least one strategy to increase the amount of daily physical activity.  As a result of the program, 80% reported that they increased their amount of physical activity on most days. Participants reported that they: used different activities for exercise and completed 15-20 minutes of exercise per day.

• 57% reported that they implemented at least one strategy to increase brain activity.Participants reported that they: worked more puzzles and got more sleep.

• 100% reported that they implemented at least one strategy to increase their amount of meaningful social activity.  Participants reported that they: checked on aging friends, got involved in social activities more, and scheduled times to eat lunch with friends.  

• 67% reported that they implemented at least one strategy to increase their effort to stay tuned-in to the times.  Participants reported that they: watched the news more and kept better track of their health records.

• 100% reported that they implemented at least one strategy to increase their effort to be safer on a daily basis. Participants reported that they: were safer around the home and on the internet.

• 80% reported that they implemented at least one strategy to maintain or improve health numbers.  Participants reported that they: got their blood sugar checked and were trying to lower blood sugar.

• 60% reported that they implemented at least one strategy to manage stress.  Participants reported that they: did things they enjoyed each day and avoided things that were stressful.

• 100% reported that they implemented at least one strategy to manage finances.  Participants reported that they: paid credit cards off each month and used coupons.

• 80% reported that they implemented at least one strategy to improve overall healthy sleep Participants reported that they: did not take daytime naps and went to bed at the same time every night.  

• 80% reported that they implemented at least one strategy to take more time for oneself. Participants reported that they: took more time to relax and stopped feeling guilty for taking time for themselves.