FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES
Keys to Embracing Aging Classes
held in Pittsburg this year
Chuckie Hessong
Adult Development and Aging
Approximately 70,000 Americans are 100 years or older and as this number is expected to rise, we are learning more about their secrets to longevity. Many healthy centenarians are teaching us that aging can be a positive, joyful and exciting experience. They demonstrate that each new year of life brings increased knowledge, wisdom and a greater ability to engineer a positive approach to the aging process. Many centenarians contribute their longevity to a positive attitude, nutrition, physical activity, mental and social stimulation, staying in-tune with the times, safety, medical literacy, financial security, sleep, and taking time for oneself. When given the necessary attention, such lifestyle choices can positively affect future health, well-being and optimal aging.
Pittsburg TOPS KS group #0884 is learning about enhancing their longevity and the Keys to Embracing Aging. Each month for 12 months Chuckie Hessong, Adult Development and Aging agent will share one of the Keys to Embracing Aging with them. Chuckie was one of several agents from K-State, University of Kentucky and University of Arkansas to receive a grant to complete this “challenge concept” research project. This concept is being utilized to take the existing Keys to Embracing Aging curriculum and expand it by creating a cohort of participants who will learn about each Key in depth and challenge themselves and each other to improve upon their overall health and safety behaviors. Chuckie will feature one Key each month and participants will be challenged to focus and improve upon that Key in the 30 days following the presentation. Knowledge, attitude and behavior change will be tracked through program evaluation and the results will be disseminated nationally.
Additionally, the Operation Red File Kickoff reported on in the March board report was successful. Chuckie Hessong and representatives from Kanas Department of Aging and Disabilities distributed 400 files in one day to attendees of the KOAM Health and Wellness fair. Sponsors, including Wesley House, Crawford County Health Department, and Wildcat Extension District, will have the remaining files available in their respective offices. Labette and Montgomery counties will have their kickoffs Fall of 2017.