Healthy Aging
Kansas Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program:
Additional Farmers Market Information
This is a joint-initiative of many public and private partners. Under this program, low-income seniors in 19 counties are provided checks to exchange for eligible foods at farmers’ markets and authorized roadside stands. In four areas, some low-income seniors are provided bundles of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables prepared by community supported agriculture (CSA) farms instead of checks.
Seniors Together Enjoy Physical Success (STEPS):
As part of the Governor’s Healthy Kansas Initiative, the Kansas Department on Aging has implemented an exercise program targeted for seniors over the age of 60, Seniors Together Enjoy Physical Success, or STEPS.
Older Americans Act - Nutrition Program
Meals are provided to eligible participants on a contribution basis in a congregate setting (Title III-C(I)), or within a homebound individual's place of residences (Title III-C(2)).
Older Americans Act - Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services
TItle III-D of the Older Americans Act provides Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services grants to Area Agencies on Aging. These grants support any of the 15 health-relates services, such as health risk evaluations, screening, nutrition counseling, health promotion programs, physical fitness and exercise programs, home injury control screening and the screening for the prevention of depression.
Lifelong Communities Initiative:
Additional Lifelong Community Information
A Lifelong Community prepares and develops its community to better serve elders through collaboration among local leaders, businesses, organizations and government agencies. This initiative encourages successful aging and ensures the security, dignity and independence for Kansans of all ages. The latest Brochure explains this Program Lifelong Communities Initiative - Future Solutions Now for Senior Citizens Brochure
Oral Health Services for the HCBS/FE Waiver:
Additional Oral Health Services Information.
Starting October 1, 2007, a new service has been approved through the Home and Community Based Services/Frail Elderly (HCBS/FE) waiver. The oral health services allow HCBS/FE recipients to receive needed dental care in Kansas.
Personal Emergency Preparedness:
Emergency Preparedness Tips and Suggestions for Older Adults Brochure
Senior Centers:
A listing of the Senior Centers in Kansas
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK):
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) is a free program offering older Kansans an opportunity to talk with trained, community volunteers and get answers to questions about Medicare and other insurance issues. SHICK provides you with many resources that will help you with your struggle through the Medicare maze.
SMP:
The Kansas Department on Aging's SMP works to prevent Medicare and Medicaid fraud and errors through outreach and education.
Healthy Kansas:
www.healthykansas.org
This website gives information on how to make small changes to improve your physical well-being.
Mental Health
- Publication: “Mental Health Information for Guide for Older Kansans and Their Families.”
- Publication: Suicide Awareness for Older Adults
Mental disorders are not part of normal aging, but circumstances that can contribute to the development of mental health disorders in older adults include social isolation, stressful living conditions, bereavement, acute and chronic health conditions and the burden of having to take care of a seriously impaired family member. Many older people develop mental health problems for the first time when they are in their later years. It is important to remember that these problems are treatable. A small number of older adults have a history of serious and persistent mental health problems that began in younger years and continue to require treatment as they become older.