Adult Development and Aging
Programs from K-State Research and Extension Adult Development and Aging promote safe, healthy and optimal aging. Our community education helps with the challenges commonly associated with aging, such as safely aging-in-place, preparing for your future health care, recognizing the signs of Alzheimer's disease and more.
Resources
Below are helpful resources relating to healthy aging. If you have specific questions, please contact your local extension office.
Do you worry about the medical care you would receive if you became ill and were unable to speak for yourself? By stating your health care preferences in writing before a health crisis occurs, you can ensure that you will receive the type or degree of care that you want. Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas introduces the process and documents involved in preparing for your future medical care, should you become unable to speak for yourself. Alzheimer's disease is commonly referred to as the "biggest health crisis facing the world today", partly because everyone with a brain is ultimately at risk. Alzheimer's 101 introduces Alzheimer's disease, its warning signs, the benefits of early detection and diagnosis, and steps to bettering your own brain health. Gray for a Day teaches participants about the sensory (sight, hearing, and more) and functional challenges that some older adults might have, with simulations that reflect daily routines, simple tasks, and leisure or social activities. The Gray for a Day program is designed to be delivered by community educators. Visit the Gray for a Day program's page to learn more. Elder abuse can rob older adults of their dignity and security and leave them feeling fearful, depressed, and alone. Elder Abuse and Neglect: What You Should Know will describe the types, warning signs, risks, and prevention of elder abuse, and the reporting laws in Kansas. Stay up-to-date on the latest news, events and activities from the Health and Wellness team.
Dr. Erin (Yelland) Martinez
Areas of specialization
- Health and well-being across the lifespan that promotes optimal aging
- Social determinants of health, health equity, and policy, systems, and environmental changes that support healthy aging
- Critical topics related to aging, such as brain health, advance health care planning, elder abuse, falls prevention, and more
Programs and Events
Contact your local extension office to learn more about these programs.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) is a six-week class to help caregivers care for their own health to become a better caregiver. Classes are co-led by certified PTC class leaders, and participants receive a workbook of resources.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling For Kansas (SHICK)
- Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) is a free program offering Kansans an opportunity to talk with trained volunteers to find information about Medicare and other insurance issues.
Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate?
- Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate outlines decisions to help improve inheritance planning and family relationships.
A Matter of Balance
- A Matter of Balance teaches adults that falls, and fears of falling, are controllable. The program describes ways to change your environment to limit risk factors that contribute to falling. The program will identify strength and balance exercises to reduce your chances of falling.
Stay Strong, Stay Healthy
- Stay Strong Stay Healthy (SSSH) is a safe, structured exercise course for older adults. Exercise can build muscle and increase bone density, to reduce frailty, osteoporosis and the risk of falls.