By Joy Miller

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension is reintroducing Silver Clovers, a program for adults aged 50 and older.

Your actions today affect your physical and mental future; they impact your longevity and quality of life. Centenarians, people over 100, know this better than anyone else. Centenarian’s attribute optimal aging throughout the lifespan to 12 key practices to embracing aging, including:

• Positive attitude
• Eating smart and healthy
• Physical activity
• Brain activity
• Social activity
• Tuning-in to the times
• Safety
• Know your health numbers
• Stress management
• Financial affairs
• Sleep
• Taking time for you

In the Silver Clover program, Ex - tension Agents and Extension Master volunteers offer educational and enrichment activities to support the 12 practices. With access to online, in-person and on-demand educational and enrichment opportunities, people can enhance their knowledge, build skills, practice healthy behaviors and connect with others.

Online and In-Person Programs

Extension services partners with Johnson County and city departments providing a variety of educational programs open to the public for a nominal to zero-dollar fee. Every month, WITS Workout is held virtually through Zoom.

Other programs offered include cooking and nutrition classes, managing chronic diseases, Medicare, sewing and quilting, birding 101, gardening and much more. For a list of upcoming events or to register for a class, visit Johnson.k-state.edu.

On-Demand Programs

The Silver Clovers YouTube Channel @jocoextension features videos from Johnson County Extension agents and volunteers sharing valuable information and demonstrations. Here you’ll find videos about walking techniques and how volunteering can benefit you.

A few upcoming topics include container gardening, open class fair entries and easy kitchen tool adaptations. You’re likely to find something of interest among the 32 videos now available.

To find out all about Silver Clover ’s classes and videos, sign up for monthly email notifications at tinyurl.com/JoCo-SilverClovers.

Questions? Contact 913-715-7000 or joy.miller@jocogov.org.

Joy Miller is the family and community wellness agent at the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office.