Articles
The Journal on Active Aging brings articles of value to professionals dedicated to older-adult quality of life. Content sweeps across the active-aging landscape to focus on education and practice. Find articles of interest by searching the article archives in three ways: Enter a keyword in the articles search bar; click on search by topic; or type a keyword or phrase in the general search bar at the top of the page.
Three approaches to gathering input
Wellness staff members are often advised to involve clients in planning and delivering programs. Research has shown that when older adults feel they have a level of control over their surroundings and activities, they are more satisfied with life (Bekhet & Zauszniewski, 2011; Netuveli & Blane, 2008).
At the same time, staff members’ jobs are to plan and deliver programs. How does input from older adults mix with the work of the professionals?
Leadership
The BASES expert statement on the use of music in exercise Produced on behalf of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences by Dr. Costas I. Karageorghis, FBASES; Prof. Peter C. Terry, F
Music use by exercisers and athletes has become commonplace, but selection of music is often intuitive rather than scientific. For this reason, sport and exercise scientists have considered the role of evidence-based music prescription for physical activity. In this expert statement we will outline the current status of music research, summarize research themes and findings, and conclude with recom-mendations for practitioners and researchers. As the title of the statement suggests, the evidence presented refers primarily to exercise participants rather than elite athletes.
moreResearch
Rhythm and moves for balance and cognition by Sue Scott, MS
Rhythm and moves, gestures and sound, music and dance . . . toe tapping and the evolution of language? How did the rhythms and music of our ancient ancestors help humans understand each other? And what does that have to do with exercise class, balance or cognition? Evidence from anthropology and neuroscience indicate that language, rhythms, music and movement are deeply rooted in the evolution of our past and still play key roles in our brains.
This article sets the stage for using rhythm and music to enhance balance and cognition in older adults. Weaving together intriguing insights in neuroscience regarding human expression, movement and rhythm can inspire and enhance our practices as exercise professionals.
Exercise
Rhythm and moves for balance and cognition by Sue Scott, MS
Rhythm and moves, gestures and sound, music and dance . . . toe tapping and the evolution of language? How did the rhythms and music of our ancient ancestors help humans understand each other? And what does that have to do with exercise class, balance or cognition? Evidence from anthropology and neuroscience indicate that language, rhythms, music and movement are deeply rooted in the evolution of our past and still play key roles in our brains.
This article sets the stage for using rhythm and music to enhance balance and cognition in older adults. Weaving together intriguing insights in neuroscience regarding human expression, movement and rhythm can inspire and enhance our practices as exercise professionals.
Balance training
Building a music program
What do you do when a new program doesn’t take off? When Shelly Chapman, senior services event coordinator for The City of Auburn Hills in Michigan started the Exploring Music Series, there were only a few participants. However, encouraged by a motivated supporter, Chapman grew the program from a start of only six people to over 50 participants.
Once a month, the Exploring Music Series features a presenter who teaches about music or entertains. Examples are a college professor who explained the differences among instruments and a session on identifying sounds while listening to music played on a tape recorder. A goal was to explore music using all the senses, plus relate music to feelings and memories.
Program profiles
You got rhythm and your clients do, too! by Kat Fulton, MM
We truly are born to make music. Music is in our footsteps, in the rhythm of our language and heartbeats, in our breath, and all over nature. Music makes life fun, social and expressive. Music enriches life and creates meaningful moments for older adults.
Music experiences can benefit people with all levels of function. Research has shown that recreational music-making fortifies the immune system of older adults (Koyama, et al, 2009) and improves quality of life (Sole, et al, 2010). Music therapy can reduce agitation in older adults with dementia, with the greatest benefit occurring when people listen to or sing music they prefer (LaGasse, 2010).
