Keys to Embracing Aging Social Activity Program

Engaging and maintaining meaningful social activities and relationships throughout the lifespan is vital to overall to health and well-being. Engaged people are often healthier, happier, less depressed and demonstrate enhanced brain vitality (NIA, 2009; Alzheimer’s Association, 2011; Park, 2009). They also contribute to stronger families and communities.

Casey County presented Keys to Embracing Aging: Social Activity.  6 participants completed post lesson evaluations.  As a result of the program, 6 participants reported improved understanding regarding the impact that meaningful social activity has on overall health and well-being.  6 reported intentions to implement at least one strategy to improve their engagement in meaningful social activity. 

Specifically, 6 participants reported that they learned ways in which social activity promotes independence, 6 longer and happier lives, 6 physical and mental health, and 6 decreased risk for depression.  

A valuable program, participants learned to be more sociable for mental health. All participants will be sent a 30-day follow-up evaluation. 

30-Day Follow-up Keys to Embracing Aging: Social Activity

Keys to Embracing Aging is a Cooperative Extension educational health intervention 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 regarding social activity, the program included a 30-day follow-up evaluation.  Of the 6 who were sent follow-up evaluations, 6 were returned.  5 reported that they implemented at least one strategy to increase their amount of meaningful social activity.  Specifically, participants reported that they: improved social activity with friends and got more involved in community service.