Keys to embracing aging: A healthy aging intervention

Amy F. Kostelic, Erin Yelland, Allison Smith, Cynthia Shuman, Adam Cless

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Keys to Embracing Aging (KTEA) is a community-based educational program that introduces and reinforces health behaviors that promote healthy aging. Data from 12 distinct KTEA lessons delivered by 42 Cooperative Extension educators to 764 unique participants across one year were examined to determine the program’s impact on attitude, diet, physical activity, brain health, belonging, staying up-to-date, safety, health, stress, finances, sleep, and self-care. The most frequent immediate behavior changes occurred in practicing self-care, developing a positive attitude, and making safe choices. And longer-term behavior change was reported in the areas of maintaining a positive attitude, brain health, and healthy eating. Participants discussed challenges related to time, commitment, and maintaining a habitual routine of healthy behaviors. KTEA outcomes indicated a promising community-based educational program and supported continued investigation and development in health promotion within Cooperative Extension. Future research is needed to examine the versatility and long-term effects of the KTEA intervention.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)254-267
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community
Volume51
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Keywords

  • Community-based education
  • cooperative extension
  • evaluation
  • healthy aging

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology

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