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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, 2023 - Jun 30, 2024


Success StoryWits Workout



Wits Workout

Author: Kennedy Hannah

Planning Unit: KSU Administration

Major Program: Aging-General

Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work

Outcome: Initial Outcome

About 80,000 Kentuckians aged 65 and older currently live with Alzheimer's dementia. That represents roughly 10% of residents in this age group. Additionally 11.2% of adults aged 45 and over report subjective cognitive decline. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of older Kentuckians with Alzheimer's is expected to rise to around 86,000. Alzheimer's isn't just a health issue, its a public health and economic challenge. With the aging baby boomer demographic and insufficient specialist care, Kentucky faces a looming crisis unless proactive measures are taken.

To help address this health concern , the University of Illinois Extension program Wits Workout was brought to Kentucky, 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. Wits Workout has two main goals to provide purposeful opportunities for older adults to engage in intellectually , and to increase their socialization through ongoing group participation. The program consist of 24 themed units, each accommodating a 60-90 minute face to face sessions that can be done weekly, biweekly, or monthly. 

A weekly series of Wits Workout was offered by Anderson County Cooperative  Extension Area Agent for age 5-10 adult participants aged 50 and over. Participants attending sessions gained elements of brain health such as intellectual challenges , exercise , diet, sleep, stress management , recall and socialization. This program offers opportunity for participants to share memories from travel , grade school , community and work history. Participants noted that they look forward to the sessions even the ones that seem challenging. Participants reported gaining knowledge on the importance of mental activity. 







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Stories by KSU Administration


Presentation of CYFAR Program

Presentation of CYFAR Program

about 12 months ago by Kennedy Hannah

The problemThe lack of life skills in youth is a growing concern in many societies today. Life skill... Read More


Pop-up Vaccine  Clinic at Small Farms Conference

Pop-up Vaccine Clinic at Small Farms Conference

about 12 months ago by Kennedy Hannah

The problemPost Covid has been challenging when it comes to vaccines. Issues or problems related to ... Read More