K-State Research and Extension

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Tag: Adult Development

THRIVE: Focus on a better version of you in 2018!

Posted on by Marci Metz

Join us in Beloit to participate in an interactive self-care program that will help you meet your personal goals! Throughout the 3-week program over the lunch hour in January, participants will explore strategies to embrace each day and practice habits that will help you get the most out of each stage in life! Adults – individuals, couples, families, and caregivers – are encouraged to participate. The program is free and participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch while they learn! Complete details are posted at http://www.postrock.k-state.edu/events/

By:  Nora Rhoades

Enough with the Blame Game

Posted on by Marci Metz

We’ve all dealt with a friend, child, family member, or co-worker who has a behavior or attitude that drives you crazy. Sometimes these behaviors and attitudes break policy or laws while other times they just bring negativity into the environment. Simply ignoring these annoyances is not the answer, especially if they reoccur on a regular basis. Addressing differences can be stressful, yet not addressing them can result in unproductive work environments, strained relationships, and many bad moods.

How you address behaviors and attitudes that ‘push your buttons’ is very important in gaining the outcomes you desire. Blaming language brings out defense mechanisms, often steering the conversation away from the concern. Avoid using the word “you”. “You” statements accuse actions, ideas, and people to be in the wrong. Blaming language not only takes longer to reach a resolution, it rarely makes a relationship stronger through the process.

Instead, use “I” statements. “I” statements keep your responses focused on how the concern affects you. Meanwhile, the other party will feel invited to explain how they are affected by the concern. “I” statements seek to understand and respect both party’s opinions and experiences. These types of conversations may provide values clarification, likely pointing towards a compromise that will benefit everyone.

Communicate with “I” Statements

  • I feel: (label your feeling: betrayed, proud, anxious, vulnerable, etc…)
  • When: (give specific example)
  • Because: (briefly explain ‘why’)
  • What I want/need is: (describe what would make you feel better)

By:  Nora Rhoades

Keys to Embracing Aging – Lessons Available

Posted on by Marci Metz

Keys to Embracing Aging is an interactive self-care program that will help you meet your personal goals. Throughout each lesson, participants will explore strategies to embrace aging and practice habits that will help you get the most out of each stage in life. Adults – individuals, couples, families, and caregivers – at any stage of life are the desired audience for this educational experience.

Keys to Embracing Aging topics:  Positive Attitude ● Eating Smart ● Physical Activity ● Brain Activity ● Social Activity ● Tuning into the Times ● Practice Being Safe ● Know Your Health Numbers ● Stress Management ● Financial Affairs ● Sleep ● Taking Time for You

Keys to Embracing Aging can be a one-time program or up to a 12 lesson series. Each lesson typically lasts 30-60 minutes, depending on your interests and needs. To arrange a Keys to Embracing Aging program for your group, contact your local Post Rock District Office.

By:  Nora Rhoades

Elder Abuse and Neglect: What You Should Know

Posted on by Marci Metz

No one is immune to elder abuse, which is often a silent problem. Elder abuse can rob older adults of their dignity and security and leave them feeling fearful, depressed, and alone. The K-State Research and Extension resource, “Elder Abuse and Neglect: What You Should Know” outlines types of abuse, the signs to watch for, and includes resources for help.  To access the resource visit:

http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3343.pdf

By:  Nora Rhoades

Keys to Embracing Aging – Join us in Downs!

Posted on by Marci Metz
Nora Rhoades
Family and Youth
Development Agent

Downs Senior Center
11:00 – 11:45am
Spring/Summer Dates:

May 10 ● June 14 ● July 12 ● August 9

Keys to Embracing Aging is an interactive self-care program that will help you meet your personal goals! Throughout the program, participants will explore strategies to embrace aging and practice habits that will help you get the most out of each stage in life! Adults – individuals, couples, families, and caregivers – are encouraged to participate in the year-long program with a 45 minute session once each month. No need to RSVP, but participation in the entire series is highly encouraged! More information at: http://www.postrock.k-state.edu/events/

By:  Nora Rhoades

Show Fondness and Admiration

Posted on by Marci Metz

Sometimes it is easier to criticize and find fault, rather than recognize positive qualities about the special person in your life. Expressing fondness, encouragement, admiration, and appreciation toward each other – often in small and unexpected ways – goes a long way in maintaining strong c5-to-1ouple relationships.

Good relationships are more easily maintained when there are five positive interactions for every one negative interaction. This 5:1 ratio helps keep a relationship out of trouble over time.

To learn more about making your relationship stronger, check out the KSRE resource CoupleTALK: Enhancing Your Relationships.

By:  Nora Rhoades