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, Dr. 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.  

From July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, Wits has been offered 12 times in Greenup County to 14 participants. The program participants came from a range of age levels, all with varying levels of connection to brain health. Presented units include Units 1-12 of the Wits Workout curriculum.

The feedback from participants is overwhelmingly positive. Participants learned what to incorporate into their daily routines to keep their brains healthy while interacting with others.  Many participants shared they gained new information they plan to share with others, gained friendships and opportunities to socialize, discovered ways to keep the brain alert while at home, inspired to try new intellectual challenges outside of Wits programming, and inspired to get more sleep or more physical activity or to eat better.  Several participants bonded over family members who were struggling with some form of dementia and how they not only are dealing with the caregiving side but also fear of developing the disease themselves.

To further support brain health, Greenup County has supported multiple efforts related to brain health including varies cooking/healthy lifestyle workshops, included health bulletins dedicated to brain health in newsletters, and shared information via social media regarding brain health. This included an estimated reach of 425 community members.   

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