Success StoryKeys to Embracing Aging



Keys to Embracing Aging

Author: Deborah Messenger

Planning Unit: Cumberland County CES

Major Program: Keys to Embracing Aging

Plan of Work: Improving Health and Wellness in Cumberland County

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Of the 7 who were sent follow-up evaluations, 5 were returned. 5 reported that they implemented at least one strategy to increase brain activity.  Specifically, participants reported that they: did more puzzles and slept more.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. The program consists on a monthly lesson that focuses on on of the 12 keys to aging. To demonstrate behavior change, the program includes a 30-day follow-up evaluation. 12 individuals participated in the Positive Attitude session. Post evaluations showed that: 11 participants reported improved understanding regarding the impact of a positive attitude on overall health and well-being; 12 reported intentions to implement at least one strategy to improve their attitude. Seven participants completed 30-day follow-up evaluations which reflected the following: 6 reported that they implemented at least one strategy to develop a more positive attitude; 5 reported an overall improved attitude as a result of the program.

12 individuals participated in the Keys to Embracing Aging: Eating Smart and Healthy session. 12 completed post lesson evaluations. As a result of the program, 12 participants reported improved understanding regarding the impact that eating smart and healthy has on overall health and well-being.  12 reported intentions to implement at least one strategy to improve their diet and nutrition and overall relationship with food. Of the 12 who were sent follow-up evaluations, 8 were returned.  6 reported that they implemented at least one strategy to develop healthier eating practices.  Specifically, participants reported that they: drank more water and ate more veggies.

9 individuals participated in Keys to Embracing Aging: Physical Activity. 9 completed post lesson evaluations.  As a result of the program, 9 participants reported improved understanding regarding the impact that physical activity has on overall health and well-being.  9 reported intentions to implement at least one strategy to improve their physical fitness. Of the 9 who were sent follow-up evaluations, 7 were returned. 6 reported that they implemented at least one strategy to increase the amount of daily physical activity.  As a result of the program, 6 reported that they increased their amount of physical activity on most days.  Specifically, participants reported that they: walked more and were generally more active.

7 individuals participated in Keys to Embracing Aging: Brain Activity. 7 participants completed post lesson evaluations.  As a result of the program, 7 participants reported improved understanding regarding the impact that meaningful social activity has on overall health and well-being. 7 reported intentions to implement at least one strategy to improve their brain activity. Specifically, 7 participants reported that they learned ways in which social activity, 7 physical activity, 7 mental stimulation, 7 healthy diet, 7 and sleep promote positive brain health. 6 participants reported that they typically engage in activities that strengthen their brain.  As a result of the program, 7 plan to improve their overall brain health. 

5 individuals participated in Keys to Embracing Aging: Social Activity. 5 completed post lesson evaluations.  As a result of the program, 5 participants reported improved understanding regarding the impact that meaningful social activity has on overall health and well-being. 4 reported intentions to implement at least one strategy to improve their engagement in meaningful social activity. Specifically, 5 participants reported that they learned ways in which social activity promotes independence, 5 longer and happier lives, 5 physical and mental health, and 5 decreased risk for depression.  Of the 5 who were sent follow-up evaluations, 5 were returned. 3 reported that they implemented at least one strategy to increase their amount of meaningful social activity.  Specifically, participants reported that they: were more sociable and friendly and they worked on listening to what others were saying.

6 individuals participated in Keys to Embracing Aging: Tuning-in to the Times.  6 participants completed post lesson evaluations.  As a result of the program, 6 participants reported improved understanding regarding the impact that tuning in to the times has on overall health and well-being. 5 reported intentions to implement at least one strategy to improve their efforts to stay in-tune to the times. While 6 participants reported being currently in-tune, 5 participants reported that they could improve their efforts to stay in-tune with the times. As a result, 5 plan to stay in-tune with current events, modern technology, or something else that forces them to be current.     






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