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Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences provides education to individuals and communities in each of Indiana’s diverse counties. We bring university information to the local level – both in person and online – to help people strengthen relationships, eat smart, improve health, and achieve financial wellness. 
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ASSOCIATE DEAN OF AGRICULTURE AND DIRECTOR OF PURDUE EXTENSION
Ag Administration, Room 214
615 Mitch Daniels Blvd.
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2060

Extension Educator Liaison

Shelby County Extension Office
20 W Polk Street, Suite 201
Shelbyville, IN 46176

Interim Health & Human Sciences Program Leader and Asst. Director of Purdue Extension
Matthews Hall, Room 110
812 Mitch Daniels Blvd.
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2060
Health & Human Sciences Staff Purdue University - Associate Executive

Matthews Hall, Room 110
812 Mitch Daniels Blvd. 
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2060

Find a 2025-2026 Purdue Extension Lesson

Why Mental Health Matters As We Age
Allison Hillis
As the global population ages, mental health has become an increasingly important part of overall well-being. This lesson explores why mental health matters as we age and three strategies for supporting good mental health. 







Vitamins Wisdom
Chrissie Lai
Vitamin Water for Vital Aging is an educational lesson designed to help older adults understand how nutritional needs change with age and why vitamins play a critical role in supporting healthy aging. The lesson explores common vitamin deficiencies among seniors, highlights key vitamins essential for energy, bone health, immunity, and cognitive function, and provides practical, easy-to-follow strategies for incorporating nutrient-rich foods into daily life. Through discussion and interactive activities, participants are empowered to make informed nutrition choices that support long-term health, vitality,  and independence.

Scams - What You Need to Know
Lori Bouslog

This program helps older adults recognize common scams, including those that occur on social media, and teaches practical strategies to protect personal information. Participants learn how to spot red flags, avoid fraud, and stay safe online and offline.





Hydration For Health: Why Drinking Enough Water Matters
Baylee Dwenger
Proper hydration is essential for maintaining overall health and wellness. Water plays a critical role in regulating body temperature, supporting digestion, transporting nutrients, and helping the body function properly. Despite its importance, many adults do not drink enough water throughout the day and may rely heavily on sugary or caffeinated beverages. This lesson provides participants with an overview of the importance of hydration, signs of dehydration, and practical ways to increase daily water intake. Participants will also evaluate their own hydration habits and identify simple strategies to stay better hydrated. 


Healthy Habits for a Healthy Gut
Janel Franks
This lesson focuses on simple, research-based habits that support a healthy gut. Gut health is shaped by daily habits. Eating fiber-rich and prebiotic foods, along with managing stress and maintaining variety, supports a healthy microbiome and reduces chronic disease risk








Gather, Eat, Connect: Making Mealtime MatterMorgan Salomon & Jo Gilreath
Decades of research have shown that families who eat together regularly have better physical health, better mental health, better academic and social outcomes and strong bonds than families who don't have dinner together at least once a week. Research also shows that sharing meals with other adults improves physical health, mental health and social well being. Look beyond your traditional definition of "family". Family meals also include eating as a couple, with friends or at your Homemaker Club!




Cooking for One or Two
Emma Finerfrock, Molly Marshall, & Rebecca Payne
Cooking for one or two can come with unique challenges, from oversized recipes and expensive groceries to too many leftovers and food waste. This class provides simple, practical strategies for preparing healthy meals for smaller households. Participants will learn how to build balanced meals, shop smart, manage portions, safely store leftovers, and make the most of ingredients. Whether you live alone, cook with a partner, or are adjusting to a smaller household, this class offers easy ideas to save time, save money, and enjoy cooking again. 

Considering a Financial Caregiver
Brock Turner
This lesson helps participants understand:
  • What is a financial caregiver?
  • Why might someone need a financial caregiver?
  • The different options that are available.
Participants will explore both informal and formal caregiving roles and learn how to choose a trustworthy person to help manage finances when needed. 



Color Code Your Health
Abigail Creigh
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables supports long-term health, and "color coding" your diet is a simple way to ensure you get a range of nutrients, though the different colors. A colorful diet may help to improve overall diet quality and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 





Bone Health: Rock-Solid Aging
Joslyn Alves
Understand the components of bone health and how to make sure your bones are healthy. 

Find a 2024-2025 Purdue Extension Lesson

Aging in Place 
Danielle Scott
Aging in place is defined as growing older in your own home. The national Association of Home Builders explains aging in place as “remaining in one’s home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”




Anticipating Joint Replacement 
Gail Wright
According to the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, over 1 million total hip and knee joint replacement surgeries take place in America every year. Increased mobility and decreased pain are benefits that anyone at any age can appreciate. As soon as surgery is scheduled, rehabilitation is discussed. This exercise and therapy program is part of the plan that a patient is committed to follow for up to three months after the surgery. But, what if there was a way to improve outcomes of surgery and speed recovery?
Gift Giving on a Budget

Holidays are definitely the time for giving and spending! As the holiday season approaches, do you find yourself looking forward to the festivities, but concerned about the impact on your wallet? For many, holidays are also a season for taking on too much debt.




Got Milk Alternatives
Karen Richey
Not all kinds of “milk” are created equal. This program will take a look at what is out there in the dairy and plant-based milk alternative world. Discover the unfamiliar of the increasingly popular dairy alternatives for other products as well.
Impact of Screen Time on Children's Eyes
Sonya Mitchell
Understanding the Impact of Screen Time on Children's Eyes and Strategies to Mitigate Negative Effects




Medicare Scams
Angie Ray &  Jennifer Stefancik
Medicare scams are becoming more and more prominent. Scammers are aware of how complex and confusing Medicare is for the average Hoosier, and they use this to manipulate citizens and the government out of billions of dollars. Learn how to spot fraud, protect yourself from being a victim, and how to report fraud should you experience it.

Notes of Positivity - A Musical Wellness Experience Notes of Positivity: A Musical Wellness Experience
Angela Sorg  
 As we grow older, we often face unexpected challenges that can make daily life more difficult. These challenges may include serious illnesses, limited income after retirement, concerns for the well-being of our loved ones, mobility issues, or difficulties with hearing. It's no wonder that anxiety can become more prevalent as we age. In fact, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition among older adults, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. It is estimated that around 14% to 17% of individuals aged 65 and older have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, although many cases go unnoticed. However, incorporating practical stress-relieving techniques, such as listening to music, can have a positive impact on our mood, reduce pain and anxiety, and provide opportunities for emotional expression. Research has shown that music can have numerous benefits for our physical and mental well-being.

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Find a 2023-2024 Purdue Extension Lesson

Eating Well for Your Eyes             
Molly Marshall 
In this lesson you will learn what is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the two types of AMD and the most common risk factors. This lesson contains a simple test to screen for vision problems and emphasizes the importance of seeing your eye doctor for regularly scheduled eye exams. Lastly, a focus on eating well for your eyes with particular attention to vitamins and nutrients that may reduce vision loss will be highlighted.  





How to Make Healthy Choices While Dining Out               
Gail Peitzmeier 
How does your portion size measure up to the recommended? The truth is our portion sizes have increased over the years along with our waistlines! Step one is doing a reality check on what a portion size should really look like. Learn to manage how much you eat and feel the benefits of eating less. Learn tips to navigate while dining out and how to choose healthy menu items. 




  
Safe Disposal of Unneeded Medications
Molly Marshall 
Do you have medication that has expired, gone unused or is unwanted and are unsure of how to dispose of it? During this session, participants will learn how to dispose of medication immediately and properly. Practicing secure medication storage and proper disposal helps prevent accidental poisoning, prescription drug abuse or drug diversion in your home and community. Taking medication as prescribed also helps you keep track of current medications. We all have a part to play in building healthier and safer communities. Do your part by storing your medication safely, then when the time comes, properly disposing of medications.   

Healthy and Delicious Mediterranean Cooking
Janet Steffens 
Learn which countries use delicious Mediterranean eating patterns and why they are healthy. Learn about the variety of colorful foods included and how to cut costs with Mediterranean cooking. Participants will get a small map of Mediterranean countries, a tip sheet for eating in the Mediterranean style, and two easy recipes to try at home.  





Supporting A Loved One with Cancer      
Jo Gilreath 
The lifetime probability (for American adults) of being diagnosed with cancer is 1 in 3.  As a result, most people are impacted by cancer at some time, in some way. You may be the one with a cancer diagnosis, or you may have a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker going through a cancer journey.  There are many resources locally and nationally, for the person with cancer, and for their family members and friends.  Regardless of if you live near your loved one, or at a distance, you can provide support in many ways:  Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Financial, and/or Logistical.  


Reverse Mortgages – What are They and What Do I Need to Consider? 
Jennifer Stefancik 
In the news lately, you see many ads about getting reverse mortgages and money so that you can stay in your home. However, do you really know what that means? The Consumer Protection Bureau has developed some guidelines for us to explore. In this lesson, we will examine: 
  • What is a Reverse Mortgage? 
  • What do I need to consider? 
  • How does this affect my children/grandchildren?
  • Talk to a Housing Counselor
  • Will this affect my Social Security?  

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How Stress Affects Health
Mandy Gray 
We all struggle with stress from time to time, but for some, it’s a constant problem. It is important to understand the toll stress can have on our overall health. We need to identify our own stress triggers, understand the effects stress has on our health mentally, physically, and socially and learn how to reduce stress in helpful ways such as exercise, diet, and mindfulness.  







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Mixes in a Jar      
Amanda Bullion   
Learn assembly and safety tips for different mixes in a jar, including creative ways to decorate a jar.     








Tips for Preventing Dementia                
Esmeralda Cruz     
The word ‘dementia’ describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Dementia is caused by a number of diseases that affect the brain. The most common is Alzheimer's but diseases also include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and Pick's disease.  



Planning for Unexpected Life Events       
Jane Horner 
We never truly know what tomorrow will bring but being prepared for an unexpected life event can reduce the stress if one should occur. Planning ahead gives you control and options for your situation. It can relieve stress of decision-making from family members. It saves money and helps you avoid financial disaster or setback. You now have time for gathering information, comparing options, and determining which options help achieve what is most important.  

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Financial Preparedness for  a Natural Disaster
Brock Turner
Participants will learn how to financially prepare for natural disasters, including understanding insurance coverage, creating a financial inventory, budgeting and saving, seeking professional advice, and accessing relevant resources in Indiana. Practical guidance on reviewing insurance policies, documenting finances, creating emergency budgets, and protecting finances will be provided, helping participants mitigate the financial impacts of disasters.


Staying Healthy While Traveling  
Emily Christ
 When it comes to traveling, the excitement tends to take over what we should and shouldn’t be doing in order to remain healthy during our time away from home. We begin to think about the new adventures that lie ahead versus what could happen if we don’t take care of ourselves in the process. During this lesson, you will learn some tips and tricks on how to start, maintain, and continue a healthy lifestyle while traveling. There may be some ideas that you don’t think about when getting ready to travel.  

Make the Nutrition Facts Label a Tool You Know How to Use      
Abigail Creigh 
The Nutrition Facts label is an important tool to use. Consumers are more likely to make healthy food & beverages choices, if the Nutrition Facts label is understood. In this lesson, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration will: help consumers better understand the Nutrition Facts label, identify nutrients we need less of & those we need more of, and give 3 tips to make healthier choices.


Take Time for Your Health           
Molly Hoag     
Do you often find yourself saying “I don’t have time for this?”  Does your family, job, volunteer work, housework, responsibilities and hobbies make it seem impossible to live a healthy lifestyle.  Is your calendar too full to work out for 60 minutes a day?  Do you lack motivation and energy for exercise?  At the end of the day, do you feel too tired to fix a healthy meal?  No time for sickness?  If you answered yes to any of these questions this class might be what you need to make healthy choices without a huge time commitment.    

       
 

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