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.
Beyond the new: ICAA trailblazers are making a difference in the lives of older adults
In the 2009 report “Powering Ideas: An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century,” Australia’s Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, defines innovation in a way that goes beyond the usual meaning of introducing something new. “Innovation is not an abstraction,” states Carr. “Nor is it an end itself. It is how we make a better Australia, and contribute to making a better world ….” In Carr’s view, innovation is more than an instrument for advancing businesses or industries. It is also a tool for shaping society for the better—a goal shared by the International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA).
moreInnovator awards
Who's got rhythm? Drumming as a vehicle for wellness by Candy Davis
Eighty-seven-year-old Molly eagerly shoves her walker into the community room at Willamette Oaks Retirement Community in Eugene, Oregon. Eleven other residents, three great-grandchildren, and two staff members have arrived early, and are jamming on the array of instruments set out for the upcoming rhythm circle session, which I will facilitate. “This is the best hour of the week,” shares Molly, an avid Santana fan, who plays along with the musician’s CDs on the drum she keeps in her apartment.
moreProgram design
Dive into the deep for head-to-toe resistance training by Mary E. Sanders, PhD, FACSM, RCEP
Maintaining muscle strength and power is vital for functional independent living. Between ages 20 and 40 years, the human body reaches peak muscle mass and force. As the body ages into mid and later life, it undergoes a progressive, generalized loss of muscle mass, strength and power, known as sarcopenia. Aging also may lead to more rapid declines in muscle power compared to strength. Power—the rate of doing work or the time required to do work—affects the performance of activities such as stair climb, sit to stand, walking and agility. To be more “powerful,” muscles need to contract at various speeds.
moreAquatics
NuStep spotlights two programs at the 'Pinnacle' of wellness
"NuStep is pleased to recognize these two organizations for their exceptional efforts," comments Sarns. "Westminster Canterbury Richmond--under the leadership of Robert Adkins and his team--has created a truly inclusive wellness environment. Wellness permeates the community and connects everyone," he notes. "Wellness opportunities are available, and participation encouraged, for the valued residents and the equally valued staff, helping to transform the lives of all." According to Sarns, this striking support for "whole-person/whole-community wellness" was a key reason for Westminster Canterbury's selection in the Senior Living division.
moreProgram profiles
Fitness certifications: what they mean for your organization and your clientele by Todd Galati, MA, and Jessica Matthews, MS
Quality fitness programs can help clients achieve desired results in health and fitness—but not every program is appropriate for every client. To provide safe, effective programming for their clientele, organizations committed to active aging need individuals who possess the requisite education, credentials and experience.
moreCustomer service
Brain fitness for living and aging well by Alvaro Fernandez, MA, MBA, and Pascale Michelon, PhD
What’s new in the world of brain fitness since the summer of 2009, when the Journal on Active Aging® published the article “Healthy brain aging: why we need to retool ‘Use it or lose it’?
Much, it turns out.
First, in light of growing research, we need to update our thinking from “Use it or lose it” to “Use it and keep it.” As discussed below, the opportunity at hand is not primarily about the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, it is truly about active aging.
