With people living longer, Kentucky’s current population of seniors (65+) is 13.3 %. This number is expected to grow in the next 40 years. Helping individual to manage the challenges that come with aging and helping them to stay connected and positive is something the Bell County Cooperative Extension Council felt needed to be addressed.

      The Bell County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with Cumberland River Comp Care, Henderson Settlement and homemakers to conduct bi-monthly lessons on keys to embracing aging or a program called “Learn, Laugh and Craft”. This program focused on ways to manage your stress, the power of keeping a positive attitude and being social. All of which help with the aging process.

      30 participants joined the series of lessons and hands on activities that helped to keep them social and their brains engaged. After the program had concluded, an evaluation was conducted and revealed that 90% choose to appropriately manage stress. 100 % stated that they are actively engaging in social activities in the community and 80% indicated that they are taking time for themselves everyday (at least 10 minutes).