According to the Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Rowan County Report 2019, by 2025 the Rowan County population 65 and over are projected to increase by 44.1% as baby boomers are entering retirement.  In this age group, malnutrition and poor eating habits decreases the immune system increasing the risk of infections, poor wound healing, muscle weakness and decreased bone mass, which can lead to falls and fractures.  Healthy people 2020 projects heart disease, cancer, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, stroke, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease being the leading chronic conditions which can lower quality of life for older adults and contribute to the leading cause of death among this population.  Increased activity and good nutrition play a key role in decreasing the chance of developing these chronic diseases.  The SNAP-Ed program partnered with Boodry Place Apartments to provide the nutrition class “Healthy Choices”.  Boodry Place Apartments consist of low-income residents with disabilities or senior citizens with health concerns.  Health concerns for residents of the apartment complex range from hypertension, diabetes, and decreased mental status.  Two resident that attended the class had had previous bariatric surgery with resulting health concerns from the surgery.  Most of the residents attending class were ambulatory, one was in a wheelchair, but all residents were able to take care of themselves by cooking, shopping, and cleaning.  Most still were able to drive or walk to store to do their own grocery shopping.  

The seven lessons of the Healthy Choice Curriculum were taught as well as the importance of exercise and staying active to the eight residents that attended the class.   Recipes with food demonstrations and incentives were provided to residents attending the classes.  A total of 6 participants graduated the program.   Two were unable to complete the classes due to doctor appointments and illnesses.  Four senior participants received Farmer’s Market Vouchers for seniors and Rowan County Farmer’s Market had double coupons allotment for seniors and WIC participants.

All residents enjoyed the classes provided by the SNAP-Ed program especially the food sampling.   Comments made about the food were they made the same dishes all the time, and this offered variety.  Fifty percent of the residents showed an improvement in planning meals, making grocery list, checking cupboards for available stables and using coupons which helped food supply last longer decreasing their food insecurities by 33%.  Sixty seven percent started using the food thermometers that were gave as incentive by SNAP-Ed and 83% started using proper thawing techniques. Use of thermometers and proper thawing decreases the risk of food borne illnesses, a major health concern in the elderly and disabled population. Thirty three percent saw an increase in their fruits and vegetables intake.  This may be due to SNAP-Ed encouraging the use of the farmer’s market vouchers and taking advantage of the double value allotment.  One participant stated, “The classes got me motivated to take better care of myself, I’m decreasing my sugar intake and monitor my blood sugars like I’m supposed to”.   The improved outcome of the residents attending off-set the low attendance. The residents want to continue the classes especially more exercise options and they plan to invite others to join since they enjoyed the classes so much themselves.  By offering the Healthy Choice classes to Boodry Place Resident’s and other seniors and residents with disabilities, SNAP-Ed hopes to improve the nutritional status of these individuals decreasing the effects of chronic diseases and improve their quality of life.