Access to healthy living resources is often limited in rural Illinois, presenting a unique challenge. Addressing this issue head-on, Illinois Extension Family Life team launched two initiatives this year focusing on brain health and social isolation in rural locations across Iroquois, Vermilion, and Champaign counties.

Brain Health - It’s A No Brainer! is a research-informed course that educates adults about normal memory changes and aging. Family Consumer Sciences Educator Emily Harmon partnered with local libraries to deliver the series, highlighting healthy brain contributors and offering tips to lessen everyday forgetfulness.

Extension Educator Emily Harmon observes, “People don’t worry about what is expected with cognition and memory until they age. That’s often when people start to worry whether their experiences are normal or of concern. The brain health programs we offer discuss what could be considered “normal” cognitive changes regarding recall speed and accuracy, different types of memory, what can contribute to cognitive decline, and what we can do across the lifespan to contribute to our brain health.”

The team partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association for the series to increase awareness of common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the importance of early detection, a subject often missed due to a lack of information and resources in rural areas.

Collaborating with local public libraries, the team also addressed older adult social isolation as it was recently declared a nationwide public health crisis. The Don’t Go It Alone: Improving Your Social Connections program encourages fostering connection and belonging, crucial strategies for positive emotional and mental health. Recognizing rural communities’ unique challenges, Emily and her team have taken a significant step forward with their efforts and plan to expand their program offerings to these regions and beyond in the coming year. 

Written by Mindy Jefferson

Photo caption: Family Life Educator Emily Harmon (left) leads a Coffee Talk at Catlin Library.