Our faculty, staff, and students work directly in Iowa communities to promote healthy and optimal living throughout the life span. Several programs are offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach whose goal is to translate and apply evidenced-based work originating from Iowa State and across the country. Examples of community programs include:
ISU Exercise Clinic
The primary objective of the ISU Exercise Clinic is to enable participants in having a program of lifelong physical activity that will reduce their risk for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Thousands of community members benefit from adult physical activity classes via this program, which began in 1973.
LIFE program
TV can result in too much couch time; however, the LIFE program demonstrates that technology can be put to good use. This intergenerational exergaming program resulted in positive health benefits for younger and older adults. The program used the Wii gaming system and was lead by specially trained students majoring in dietetics, kinesiology, education, and human development and family studies.
ISU Extension to Families – Adult Caregiving
How can families work together to tackle some of the challenges that aging can present? Extension to Families provides resources that help families have discussions about care needs in later life, as well as tools for caregivers. These tools help caregivers reduce stress, improve caregiving confidence, establish balance in their lives, communicate their needs, make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources.
Extension Midlife and Beyond
Is it easy to age in place in Iowa? A community-based project, Extension Midlife and Beyond: The Whole Picture, aims to address this question and help Iowa communities build more aging-friendly environments which are good for everyone. The program offers various resources, study circle forums, and shares success stories to encourage and inspire other communities.
Â