Supporting healthy aging through activity, social connectedness, positive outlook

The older adult population is growing more rapidly than other age groups in the United States. At the same time, aging stigma and lack of information on aging can affect health outcomes. Land-grant universities across the country have unique programming to aid healthy aging by promoting activity, social connectedness, positive outlook and more.

Here are a few examples of that work:

• In Colorado, the Aging Mastery Program covers physical activity, healthy eating, social connectedness, advance care planning, community engagement and healthy relationships. The program has seen an increase in counties participating; 100% of participants report this is the type of education they want and that the program helped improve their quality of life.
  _{Colorado State University; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) and county funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• In New Mexico, the Walk with Ease program aids in improving arthritis symptoms, in additionto improving balance and strength, increasing walking pace and improving confidence in one’sability to manage arthritis symptoms. Participants indicated the greatest program benefits included understanding how exercise will help ease arthritis pain, understanding the importance of and how to develop a walking plan, increased motivation to be more active and meeting other people who experience similar issues.
  _{New Mexico State University. See full statement.}
  
  
• Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, recently implemented in North Dakota, aims to improve strength, balance, mobility and daily function, reducing participants’ risk of falling. It uses a recreation-like format unlike traditional fall prevention classes, and 90% of participants completing the workshop indicated they have increased confidence that they can reduce their risk of falling.
  _{North Dakota State University; project supported by non-profit grants and state appropriations. See full statement.}
  
  
• A program in South Dakota uses virtual writing workshops (life story, family history, obituary) to explore positive mental and emotional development in aging. Participants used words like “hope,” “optimistic,” “positive,” and “peace” to describe their outlook on aging following the workshop.
  _{South Dakota State University; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• In Wisconsin, the WI StrongBodies program promotes strength training for aging adults, including progressive resistance training, balance training and flexibility exercises. The program continues to grow and uses YouTube and Wisconsin Public Television to reach additional participants, with recordings in three languages. More than 90% of participants reported improvements in physical strength. Other outcomes included increases in physical activity and energy levels, enhanced balance, more social connectedness, lessened joint pain and improved sleep quality.
  _{University of Wisconsin; project supported by state appropriations and Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}