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.
Topic- Gerontology
A healthy foundation: understanding older adults' caloric needs and how to achieve them by Kathryn Porter, MS, RD
Determining what, when and why to eat certain foods to meet a target calorie level can be a challenging and daunting task at any age. This task is even greater in later life, however.
Older adults may be experiencing decline in muscle mass, less volume and intensity of physical activity, chronic health conditions, physical limitations, numerous medications, and slower metabolisms. Additionally, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2007–2008 reported that 78% of American men and 69% of American women ages 60 and older were overweight, while 37% and 34% respectively were obese; moreover, 60% of men and 74% of women had abdominal obesity.
Gerontology
The 'medicalization' of aging: what it is, how it harms, and what to do about it by Marilynn Larkin, MA
On November 17, 2010, the headline of a Washington Post health blog read: “Gwyneth dances great on ‘Glee,’ despite osteopenia.” The posting about actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s television appearance went on to explain that the 38-year-old star is “quite young for such a diagnosis” and imply that her dancing ability is somehow influenced by the condition, which normally affects older adults.
moreGerontology
'Virtual' senior center connects older adults to community and family by Marilynn Larkin, MA
In the United States, the number of people ages 65 and over will be growing faster than the total population in every state by 2030—and 26 states will have doubled their older-adult population, according to the US Census Bureau. At the same time, the number of homebound elders—now at least two million—will likely rise significantly, a scenario almost certain to occur in other countries, too, as the world population ages. The result could be large numbers of older adults who are socially isolated, depressed, and gradually losing their independence.
moreGerontology
Creating purpose-driven communities by Kay Van Norman, MS
Senior living products and services have evolved steadily over the past 20 years. Medical model nursing homes are giving way to person-centered approaches and models such as the Eden Alternative. Assisted living and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) have beautiful spaces, lovely grounds and excellent food served restaurant style. Whole-person wellness has emerged as a gold standard for quality programming, and senior living professionals are dedicated to improving resident quality of life (Edelman & Montague, 2006).
moreGerontology
Survey offers a portrait of centenarians
What are the keys to longevity? A recent poll of 100 centenarians suggests the answer is staying connected to family, friends and current events.
The third annual Evercare 100@100 Survey shifts conventional stereotypes on aging by revealing that some of the oldest Americans are using the latest technologies to keep up and stay close—talking on cell phones, sending emails, “Googling” lost acquaintances, surfing Wikipedia and online dating. Conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs and Media, the survey provides a cultural portrait of 100 Americans turning 100 or older in 2008. This research provides anecdotal insight into the lives and lifestyles of centenarians—one of the fastest-growing segments of the population.
Gerontology
Shatter stereotypes of aging: how to help your clients create dynamic mature identities by Marilynn Larkin, MA
Who comes to mind when you think of individuals with dynamic mature identities? Jack LaLanne, who at 90 is still a poster child for the benefits of lifelong fitness? Robert Butler, physician, gerontologist, psychiatrist, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, who at 80 is still going strong as head of the International Longevity Center–USA? Or maybe Eartha Kitt, also 80, who continues to be a fixture in the New York City cabaret scene and recently costarred in an off-Broadway show and independent film?
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