Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryWits Workout



Wits Workout

Author: Asa Conkwright

Planning Unit: Grant County CES

Major Program: Aging-General

Plan of Work: Embracing Aging

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

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 to 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 course to teach the WITS curriculum. Since that training Wits has been offered 15 times in Grant County to 10-15 participants seniors at the Williamstown Senior Center. An evaluation was performed to measure if any changes had been made by the participants in relation to the material they learned and the results are the following. 

Behavior changes: 

  • 90% of participants have challenged themselves by doing something new or intellectually stimulating
  • 72% of participants have used strategies to help me remember things in their daily lives
  • 72% of participants closer attention and stay focused in order to remember better 
  • 72% of participants have tried to incorporate more physical activity in their lives 
  • 63% of participants have tried to improve their eating habits 
  • 63% of participants have tried to increase my social contacts or be more intentional with socializing with others
  • 45% of participants have tried to find healthy ways to manage their stress 
  • 45% of participants have worked on getting better sleep
  • 81% of participants reported improved mental health and a feeling of well-being

     

When asked what specific examples they had worked to improve participants noted eating less fried foods and more healthy foods, exercise, doing puzzle books, list keeping, more social interaction, and new hobbies and crafts. One participant shared her own success stating "I improved my memory recall with wits workout. I’ve shared some of my life’s experiences with others as well as learning about them. I feel as though I am in a better place." 

 


 

 






Stories by Asa Conkwright


Growing Connections

Growing Connections

about 6 months ago by Asa Conkwright

Due to the recognition of the benefits of local food production there has been an increase in people... Read More


Wits Workout

about 3 months ago by Asa Conkwright

Wits Workout is a peer-reviewed, pilot-tested, brain health resource tool developed to assist leader... Read More


Stories by Grant County CES


Growing Connections

Growing Connections

about 6 months ago by Asa Conkwright

Due to the recognition of the benefits of local food production there has been an increase in people... Read More


Conferences and Building Awareness of Digital Literacy Pilot Program

about 29 days ago by Richard Sellnow

The Digital Literacy pilot program is a new initiative in the state of Kentucky hoping to demonstrat... Read More


Stories by Aging-General


Strengthening Minds and Spirits through WITS Workout

Strengthening Minds and Spirits through WITS Workout

about 26 days ago by Debra Hixon

Describe the Issue or Situation. According to our government, over 7.2 million Americans aged 65+ ar... Read More


Bingocize Woodford County Senior Center 6 Month Evaluation

Bingocize Woodford County Senior Center 6 Month Evaluation

about 6 months ago by Hannah Thornsberry

Bingocize® was created by Dr. Jason Crandall, Co-Director/Co-Founder at the WKU Center for Applied S... Read More