Aging is an important FCS program area because the Commonwealth of Kentucky is graying. According to Kentucky by the Numbers/US Census Data, by 2040, every extension district in Kentucky will see an increase in the percent of the population age 65 and over.  The aging programs are integrated with all 7 FCS initiatives and embrace a lifespan approach to address lifestyle adjustments, changing family situations, the adaptation of homes, and healthy relationships during life transitions. Programs are determined by (a) state and national trends; (b) current research; and (c) FCS statewide needs assessments.  

My present concentration consists of sustaining existing programs and collaborations and working with agents to more accurately and consistently report and effectively evaluate the work being done. For KERS FY2018, agents reported 14,373 contacts related to aging programming. Of these, 195 were reported to be youth, which is important because aging/aging issues do not start at 65 years old. In particular, agents reported (FY 2018) that 4,860 participants improved general aging knowledge regarding healthy, independent and quality aging, while 3,384 participants changed behaviors.  Specific programs that support the graying Commonwealth include:

Keys to Embracing Aging (KTEA). Agents reported to KERS (FY 2018) that 2,294 contacts were made in efforts to encourage overall healthier and safer lifestyles. Specifically, three counties reported how KTEA improves knowledge (2,178 people); enhances lifestyle skills (1,794) and promotes behavior change (1,696). (See other success story for additional information). 

Prepare to Care. As people live longer, caregiving and issues related to care are increasing in prevalence. Prepare to Care is an AARP caregiving preparation program that FCS has permission to teach/evaluate. Agents reported 419 total contacts in KERS. Specifically, 24 counties provided evaluation data. It was reported that 119 participants learned how to start a conversation about caregiving as a result of this program. Six-month follow-up data suggest that 20 participants discussed a plan and 40 made a plan after the program. 

Know the 10 Signs. An estimated 11% of older Kentuckians live with Alzheimer’s disease while approximately 267,000 caregivers provide 304 million hours of unpaid care (Alz. Assoc., 2016). With growing numbers, it is important to educate people about Alzheimer’s risk factors to help fight the fear, resistance and reluctance to visit a doctor when warning signs appear. Through an ongoing collaborative effort with the Alzheimer’s Association, FCS delivers the “10 Warning Signs” (formally known as: “Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters” and “Understanding Alzheimer’s disease” (formally known as: “Brain Basics”). In February 2019, 68 agents were trained with national program updates. In FY 2018, agents reported 76 total contacts in KERS. Eight (8) specific counties reported in KERS that 109 participants improved their knowledge regarding the risk factors of AD and the importance of early diagnosis. 

Traditions. This lesson emphasizes how traditions (a) create and preserve memories; (b) build strong families; and (c) promote an individual sense of identity and feeling of belonging (Family-Reunion-Success.com, 2015).  Overall, KERS reports 1,135 total contacts, including 35 youth. Specifically, 6 counties submitted data for the Traditions program. 977 participants reported increased knowledge regarding the importance of family traditions; 1,014 reported understanding the connections between traditions and strong families. 661 participants reported intentions to maintain or start a new tradition. Follow-up evaluations revealed that 305 participants reported creating a new family tradition as a result of the program.