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.
Effective physical activity for the oldest-old by Marilynn Larkin, MA
On any given day, Tony Martin, 97, might be among the Hollywood personalities doing yoga under the guidance of Yuriko Byers, a personal yoga trainer from Malibu, California. Although Martin is a relatively new client, Byers worked with his wife, Cyd Charisse (who died in 2008), for many years. In a career spanning close to 40 years, Byers has learned that celebrities are no different from others when it comes to doing yoga: They may need some prodding and encouragement, but they appreciate the benefits, which include stress reduction and the ability to center themselves, as well as function better.
moreProgram design
Student internships: what you need to know to make programs work by Mary McCarthy, MPH
During this period of economic challenge, it may be difficult to request additional staff to help grow your program, even as you are asked to provide more options to those you serve. Time and budgetary limitations often make it difficult to provide a comprehensive older-adult wellness program. One solution to this challenge is to begin working with undergraduate students who are seeking work experience and need to fulfill degree requirements for graduation.
moreManagement
Help wanted! 10 steps to getting a successful internship program underway by Marilynn Larkin, MA
At the most recent International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA) Strategy Session—a think tank of leaders that meets yearly to identify needs in the active-aging industry and actions to address them—the focus was on the workforce. According to Pat Ryan, ICAA’s vice president of education and a delegate to the meeting, “organizations are having trouble hiring people who are qualified to work with older adults, and who want to work with older adults.” Developing internship programs that position active-aging organizations as sites for student field work was recommended as part of the solution. Internship programs can provide an additional source of workers and, over the long term, help overturn negative stereotypes of aging among young people, Ryan agrees.
moreManagement
Are you listening to your customers? by Debra J. Schmidt
Instead of defining the meaning of quality service in your organization, let your customers define it for you. When you actively listen to your customers, they will tell you what they want, need and dislike. One thing that I guarantee customers do not like is being called by the wrong name.
Because listening does require extra effort, many people just pretend they are listening. Your customers can tell if you are pretending. They will be annoyed or even offended by your lack of attention. Worse, when you don’t listen to your customers, you miss out on tremendous opportunities.
Customer service
Leadership and learning are indispensable by Jim Clemmer
The great American founding father, author and statesman Benjamin Franklin was highly devoted to lifelong learning and continual personal improvement. His book Benjamin Franklin’s The Art of Virtue, edited by George Rogers, is an inspiring account of Franklin’s life and an instructive guide to his improvement process and personal effectiveness system. Franklin once said, “If you empty your purse in your head, no one can take it away from you. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
moreLeadership
ICAA Conference 2008: Delegates share experiences and expand horizons
Historic and happening San Antonio, Texas, welcomed almost 500 active-aging professionals when the Sixth Annual International Council on Active Aging Conference came to town in December. From the preconference workshops through the last educational seminars, the ICAA Conference always brings together presenters and delegates with a passion for older-adult wellness—plus a desire to connect and learn.
ICAA’s annual meeting takes place in conjunction with the Athletic Business Conference & Expo, one of the recreation and fitness industry’s largest conference providers. In San Antonio, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center was where exhibitors, delegates and presenters gathered for the 2008 events. This building’s proximity to the city’s famous River Walk assured a lively environment whenever attendees ventured outside.
