Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Older adults face a large and varied number of challenges associated with aging. Alzheimer’s and frailty is what many think of but loneliness, poor eating and exercise habits, lack of sleep, adverse medicinal interactions, lives that seem to lack purpose, etc., are all related to physical well being in older adults. Fixed incomes, rising prices, and ever-increasing medical bills all intensify the psychological and emotional burden.

Keokuk County’s over 65 population was listed as 20.2 percent in 2002 Data for Decision Makers Population Profile for Keokuk County. This is well above the state average of 14.9%. Many sources say, the older adult population has tripled since 1900 and the most rapid increase is predicted to occur between the years 2010 and 2030 when the "baby boomers" reach 65. The American population is getting older and the number of older adults is increasing at a rapid pace. An educational program designed to educate the Senior Adults, the caregivers and the general public is called for in Keokuk County.

Response:
Keokuk County Extension responded to this need by forming a committee comprised of concerned citizens, and local and Extension professionals. A grant was acquired and the following goals and results were established:

-30 to 100 different Older Adults and their caregivers will be reached at one of at least 12 programs held at the Sigourney Care Center throughout the year. 80+ individuals have been reached on a one-time basis. A total attendance for all activities through Sept. 2008 is 586.

-Some of the programs were: Universal Design - Genealogy Training - Foster Grandparents - Iowa Dept of the Blind - Iowa Dept. of the Hearing Impaired - Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate - Drug Interaction and Wise Purchasing of Pharmaceuticals - Medicare Part D - Healthy Meals for Older Adults - Credit Card Use - Ambulance Procedures - Medical Costs and Insurance (what you should know) - Digital TV Switchover

-12 Educational News Articles will be developed and run in area Newspapers throughout 2007. 7 articles were run in area newspapers on subjects ranging from horticulture to the digital TV Switchover. More will follow throughout 2008.

-40 home-delivered meal participants will receive training through the use of a portable DVD player. This part of the program was not successful. The digital camera did not have the ability to record more than 15 minutes of quality recording. New developments in media cards should make it possible to record one-hour programs in the future. (We’re still working on this!)

-A series of 12 DVD programs will be developed for use by Caregivers and the home bound participants. Same as above.

-Training will be provided at the Keokuk County Health Fair and at other programs for the general public. This training will help them better understand some of the problems of older adults and possible ways they can avoid those problems. A Health Fair aimed at older adults was conducted, in cooperation with the Keokuk County Health Center and SEITA. Programs included: Legal Issues and Older Adults Diabetes Drug (Pharmaceutical) Use and Interaction. Extension specialists consulted with participants concerning Universal Design, Healthy Foods, and Family Economics.

Impact:
This is a great audience with many opportunities. As the Sigourney Area Development Director said, “Older adults are the only section of our population that’s growing; we must reach out to serve their needs. This program not only provided needed subject matter it also acquainted participants with a large number of contacts who will be of service to them in the future."

Additional ISUE Extension Staff:
Barb Anderson
Family Nutrition and Health Specialist
Address: 214 E MAIN ST
OTTUMWA, IA 52501-2916
Phone: (641) 682-5491 Fax: (641) 682-5148
Email: bjanders@iastate.edu

Mary Weinand
Family Resource Management
Address: 2606 W BURLINGTON AVE
FAIRFIELD, IA 52556-2642
Phone: (641) 472-4166 Fax: (641) 472-2591
Email: mweinand@iastate.edu

Additional Team Members or Community Partners:
Kay Witte
Annette Shafranek

Contact:
Gary Bickmeier
Keokuk County Extension
102 E Washington
Sigourney, IA 51591
641-622-2680
gary@iastate.edu